Patient-Centered Telehealth may enhance Maternal Healthcare by building strong nurse-patient relationships: Study

Underserved populations in the United States, particularly those facing social and economic challenges, are at higher risk for poor maternal health outcomes. Maternal health complications and mortality rates have been on the rise, disproportionately affecting low-income and racial minority women. Limited access to timely and high-quality prenatal and postnatal care has been identified as a significant contributor to the higher morbidity and mortality risk faced by these populations. To address these disparities and increase access to care, many states in the U.S. have expanded their Medicaid programs. Despite the expanded coverage, barriers like a shortage of providers, transportation issues, long wait times, and poor patient-provider relationships continue to impede women's access to quality prenatal care.

Telehealth Program as a Solution

Telehealth programs have emerged as a promising solution to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce barriers to care. The Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Program (PPSP), launched by OSF HealthCare in collaboration with federally qualified health centers, provides telehealth services to pregnant women, including adolescents, with 24/7 virtual access to registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). This app-based program aims to enhance access to care, timely assessment, and referrals to necessary resources for pregnant and postpartum women.

Perspectives on Telehealth Relationships

Recently published study focused on exploring the perspectives of patients and nurses involved in the PPSP regarding the relationships established through telehealth. Through qualitative interviews with 23 women enrolled in the program and five nurses supporting its implementation, the study uncovered key themes related to nurse-patient relationships. Patients valued the timely responses from nurses, feeling supported and at ease knowing they could reach out anytime. They appreciated the comfort of texting nurses and considered them as approachable and non-judgmental sources of support. Nurses also highlighted the benefits of digital communication in enhancing relationships, allowing for more frequent interactions and personalized care.

Importance of Nurse-Patient Communications

The study emphasized the importance of effective communication, emotional support, and patient-centered care in nurturing positive nurse-patient relationships in telehealth programs. Patients appreciated the 24-hour access to nursing staff, action-oriented care, and the ability to communicate via text messaging, which allowed them to control the frequency of interactions with program staff. The development of therapeutic relationships was essential in providing patients with emotional support, personalized care, and a sense of trust and comfort throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey.

Impact of Telehealth Programs

The findings suggest that telehealth programs, when designed to prioritize patient preferences and foster therapeutic nurse-patient relationships, can significantly improve access to quality maternal healthcare. By emphasizing programmatic aspects that support virtual relationships, such as 24/7 access, personalized care, and effective communication, telehealth initiatives like the PPSP can effectively address barriers to care and enhance patient outcomes. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of telehealth programs on maternal health and the sustainability of positive nurse-patient relationships in digital care settings.

Key Points

- Underserved populations in the U.S. facing social and economic challenges are at higher risk for poor maternal health outcomes, with maternal health complications and mortality rates disproportionately affecting low-income and racial minority women.

- Limited access to timely and high-quality prenatal and postnatal care is a significant contributor to the higher morbidity and mortality risk faced by vulnerable populations. - Telehealth programs, such as the Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Program (PPSP), have emerged as a promising solution to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce barriers to care by providing virtual access to registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses.

- Qualitative interviews with patients and nurses involved in the PPSP highlighted key themes related to nurse-patient relationships, emphasizing the importance of timely responses, emotional support, and personalized care.

- Effective communication, emotional support, and patient-centered care are crucial for nurturing positive nurse-patient relationships in telehealth programs, allowing patients to feel supported, in control of interactions, and comfortable throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey.

- Telehealth programs, when prioritizing patient preferences and fostering therapeutic nurse-patient relationships through 24/7 access, personalized care, and effective communication, can significantly improve access to quality maternal healthcare and enhance patient outcomes. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of telehealth programs on maternal health.

Reference –

Matthew D. Dalstrom et al. (2025). Examining Digital Care Relationships Of Medicaid Participants In The Pre/Postnatal Care Period: A Qualitative Study. *BMC Pregnancy And Childbirth*, 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07587-z.

The findings indicate that telehealth programs, when tailored to respect patient preferences and build , can greatly enhance access to quality maternal healthcare.