Telemedicine as an Adjunct to Follow-Up of Low-Risk Neonates: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND

Synchronous video teleconsultations are being increasingly used in various fields of medical care. Its feasibility, safety and advantages have been demonstrated in neonatal office practice in our unit.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted to measure proportion of parents of low-risk neonates who utliized teleconsultations for postnatal follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 844 eligible families, 22.3% used the service. Lactation queries (57.1%) about feeding schedules and perceived less milk related excess cry predominated. Enquiries related to skincare (36.5%) and sleep-wake cycle (30.1%) were common. Only 3.8% were advised to report to the hospital for physical assesssment.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of families who engaged in the teleconsultations with the neonatologist were less than anticipated. However among those who did, majority of the concerns could be resolved without the need for physical hospital visits.