Midwives' experience of telehealth and remote care: a systematic mixed methods review

BMJ Open. 2024 Mar 29;14(3):e082060. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082060.

Abstract

Introduction: Increasing the midwifery workforce has been identified as an evidence-based approach to decrease maternal mortality and reproductive health disparities worldwide. Concurrently, the profession of midwifery, as with all healthcare professions, has undergone a significant shift in practice with acceleration of telehealth use to expand access. We conducted a systematic literature review to identify and synthesize the existing evidence regarding how midwives experience, perceive and accept providing sexual and reproductive healthcare services at a distance with telehealth.

Methods: Five databases were searched, PubMed, CINHAL, PsychInfo, Embase and the Web of Science, using search terms related to 'midwives', 'telehealth' and 'experience'. Peer-reviewed studies with quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods designs published in English were retrieved and screened. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were subjected to full-text data extraction and appraisal of quality. Using a convergent approach, the findings were synthesized into major themes and subthemes.

Results: After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 10 articles on midwives' experience of telehealth were reviewed. The major themes that emerged were summarized as integrating telehealth into clinical practice; balancing increased connectivity; challenges with building relationships via telehealth; centring some patients while distancing others; and experiences of telehealth by age and professional experience.

Conclusions: Most current studies suggest that midwives' experience of telehealth is deeply intertwined with midwives' experience of the response to COVID-19 pandemic in general. More research is needed to understand how sustained use of telehealth or newer hybrid models of telehealth and in-person care are perceived by midwives.

Keywords: Health Equity; Health Services; Maternal medicine; Reproductive medicine; Telemedicine.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Maternal Health Services / organization & administration
  • Midwifery*
  • Pregnancy
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Telemedicine*