BACKGROUND:
Midwifery philosophy promotes physiological processes of pregnancy, minimising unnecessary intervention. However, when pregnancy complications are identified, women may be offered increased monitoring and/or admission to hospital. Research demonstrates negative experiences among women who are hospitalised antenatally. This prompts clinicians to seek alternative methods of care delivery that preserve maternal wellbeing. Virtual pregnancy care is an emerging solution. Previous studies have determined that care provision at home has led to greater patient satisfaction, with similar outcomes to those receiving inpatient care, at similar or lower cost.

OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to review the literature on the safety and effectiveness of pregnancy care delivered virtually, encompassing studies that examine the use of telemonitoring of maternal and/or fetal wellbeing.

METHODS:
A systematic review of quantitative and mixed methods literature published since 2010 was conducted. Inclusion was also restricted to high-income countries, due to the differing priorities in low and low-middle income countries of promoting care in health facilities.

RESULTS:
Eighteen publications were included. The studies investigated a range of telemonitoring interventions, often supported by telehealth consultations with health professionals via phone and/or video. In general, when compared to standard models of care (including hospital admission), virtual models of care were associated with more positive maternal satisfaction, reduced healthcare costs and service utilisation, and were not associated with increased adverse perinatal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:
Virtual pregnancy care is a beneficial approach to ensure that women receive pregnancy care that is safe, effective and satisfying. Piloting of such models of care should be considered in the Australian maternity landscape.

KEY MESSAGE:
This review will support the establishment of new models of pregnancy care in Australia, delivered remotely, that are flexible, cost-effective and woman-centred. Poster session 2 (Group A)