A Mixed-Methods Study on the Barriers and Facilitators of Telemedicine for Newborn Resuscitation

Abstract

Background: Teleneonatology may improve the quality of high-risk newborn resuscitations performed by general providers in community settings. Variables that affect teleneonatology utilization have not been identified.

Introduction: The objective of our mixed-methods study was to understand the barriers and facilitators experienced by local care providers who receive teleneonatology services.

Materials and methods: In October 2015, an electronic survey was sent to 349 teleneonatology participants at 6 community hospitals to assess user satisfaction, technology usability and acceptability, and impact on patient care. From December 2015 to June 2016, 49 participants were involved in focus groups and individual interviews to better understand barriers and facilitators of teleneonatology implementation. Qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic approach.

Results: Survey response rate was 31.8% (N = 111). Of 93 survey respondents, 88 (94.6%) agreed that teleneonatology was needed at their hospitals, and of 52 participants, 50 (96.2%) believed that teleneonatology consults were helpful. We identified multiple facilitators and barriers to program implementation in education and training, process and work flow, communication, and technology.

Discussion: Local care teams believed that teleneonatology was valuable for connection to a remote neonatologist. Successful program implementation may be facilitated by communicating the value of teleneonatology, engaging local stakeholders in program training and education, maintaining supportive professional relationships, and designing simple, highly reliable clinical work flows.

Conclusions: Teleneonatology is viewed as an innovative, valuable service by local care teams. The identified barriers and facilitators to program use should be considered when implementing a teleneonatology program.

Keywords: neonate; pediatrics; telemedicine; utilization.