Telemedicine in Prenatal Care: What Equipment Will You Need?

Telemedicine is the practice of using digital technology to provide care remotely. To ensure telemedicine in prenatal care is possible, accessible, and effective, there are several pieces of equipment that you may need. 

While there are several types of telemedicine including store-and-forward, real-time, and remote monitoring, real-time telemedicine is the most common and used. Real-time telemedicine involves live consultations between physicians and patients via audio and video calls. 

In store-and-forward telemedicine, as the name implies, healthcare providers and patients communicate and exchange medical information, usually at different times using HIPAA-compliant platforms.

Remote monitoring is used to examine or monitor patients without an in-person visit using certain equipment that record, transmit, and store patient data. 

Each of these forms of telemedicine requires equipment and devices. In this article, we discuss what types of equipment are needed by both or one of the physician or the pregnant woman and her family.

Remote Patient Monitoring

Remote patient monitoring as a form of telemedicine is majorly device-based. At times, a patient may be asked to get a standard home care kit that contains most if not all of the below: 

Wearable EKG/ECG

• Used to check and monitor both maternal and fetal heart activity. Some have in-built screens where you can see your heart readings. Others may need to be connected to a smartphone or computer application to view, record, store, and share your ECG readings.

Blood pressure devices

• Used to check one's blood pressure. Most are powered with batteries and can be used by oneself.

Glucometer (blood glucose monitor)

• Used to check and monitor your blood glucose levels. Readings can be sent to your physician or healthcare provider.

Digital stethoscopes

• Used to listen to sounds produced within the body, particularly in the heart and lungs. These work with software on smart devices to view, store, and transmit readings.

Portable ultrasound device

• Used to perform ultrasound scans on your unborn baby (or babies). It is a smart, handheld, easy-to-use device that can be used from the comfort of your home.

Pulse oximeter

• Used to measure pulse rate and blood oxygen levels. Some handheld ones are connected to software on smart devices that read, store and transmit readings to your healthcare provider.

Wearable activity tracker

• Used to monitor your health and exercise. Examples include smartwatches and FitsBits. They are app or software-based and keep track of metrics such as the distance covered in a walk or run, pulse rate, and calorie consumption. 

At-home fetal doppler

• Used to monitor fetal heart rate while at home.

Weighing scale

• Used to check your weight and calculate your BMI throughout pregnancy.

These telemedicine devices are used to monitor, record, and transmit patient health data directly to physicians, nurses, or other healthcare providers. Most of these devices are programmed to automatically record and transmit the data they collect. These data are transmitted via the internet or Bluetooth technology. 

This process enables healthcare providers to monitor pregnant clients without a physical appointment, especially women with diabetes, hypertensive disorders, or who are just recovering from an illness. Also, they can address concerns promptly preventing late diagnosis and complications.

Virtual consultations

Virtual consultations majorly use the real-time and store-and-forward forms of telemedicine. They rely largely on are largely dependent on telecommunication devices and software because they are best suited for video consultations, basic visual exams, scans, counseling, therapy, and follow-up care.

The following are the equipment needed for virtual consultations including:

Smart devices

• Smartphone, tablet, or a computer that enables internet connection.

Internet access devices

• Used for reliable internet connection such as modems and routers.

Webcam

• Used for video appointments. Most devices have an integrated webcam. However, you can buy a separate one if necessary.

Camera

• Used to take pictures of certain parts of the body that need to be examined and addressed. However, you may use your device's camera if they produce high-quality pictures. 

Scanner

• Used to scan, upload, and send results of X-rays, MRIs, and other medical documents. 

At My Virtual Physician

At My Virtual Physician, our team is committed to ensuring that patients get the best of health care as needed. 

We provide virtual care at any point in your pregnancy while you await your appointment with your local OB doctor. We are also available to help guide you through your pregnancy and answer any questions that may arise. 

We are in-network with many insurance health plans including Medicaid, Medicare, United HealthCare, and Blue Cross.