title: Telemedicine in obstetrics.
abstract: Telemedicine lends itself to several obstetric applications and is of growing interest in developed and developing nations worldwide. In this article we review current trends and applications within obstetrics practice. We searched electronic databases, March 2010 to September 2012, for telemedicine use studies related to obstetrics. Thirty-four of 101 identified studies are the main focus of review. Other relevant studies published before March 2010 are included. Telemedicine plays an important role as an adjunct to delivery of health care to remote patients with inadequate medical access in this era of limited resources and emphasis on efficient use of those available resources.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
authors.forename: Imelda N
authors.initials: IN
authors.lastname: Odibo
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Wendel
authors.forename: Everett F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Magann
mesh_terms: D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000628:therapy; D016640:Diabetes, Gestational / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D011247:Pregnancy; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods