Telemedicine Consultation to Assess Neonatal Encephalopathy in Rural Community Hospitals and Tertiary Care Centers.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Teleconsultation is used in tertiary care hospitals to evaluate neonatal encephalopathy. Neonates born in community hospitals, however, often experience delayed evaluation due to transport to the tertiary care center. We studied teleconsultations in community hospitals to decrease this disparity.

Methods

Prospective observational study in 9 community hospitals and 1 neonatal intensive care unit. Inclusion criteria: gestational age greater than or equal to 35 weeks and one of the following: umbilical cord pH less than or equal to 7.2, 5-minute Apgar less than 7, prolonged respiratory support, perinatal event, or abnormal neurological exam. We performed synchronized, unscheduled telemedicine consults with the main outcome of time to teleconsultation.

Results

SUBMITTER: Coffey R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9586178 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature