The Application of Online Consultant Mode in Postpartum Maternity and Infant at Home in COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: To explore the effects of providing guidance postpartum maternity and infant at home by online consultation mode under the situation of COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) developed the procedure of online consultation for the maternity and infant during the COVID-19 pandemic, used WeChat mini program to provide health education and guidance for postpartum maternity and their families, and monitored their conditions through the follow-up visits. Results: During the pandemic period of COVID-19 from January 20th to April 30th, 2020, Transitional Care Department of the authors' hospital used the WeChat mini program to provide health education and guidance for a total of 105 cases of patients, of which 8 cases were advised to consult relevant specialties online and 8 cases were recommended to visit hospital. The remaining 89 cases of patients had their medical problems solved effectively through a total of 177 times of online counseling. The satisfaction of maternity and their families on the online consulting service reached 98.63%. Conclusion: Under the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the application of the online consultant mode meets the medical needs of the maternity and infant at home; avoids the risk of cross-infection caused by face-to-face communication; and ensure the health of the patients and their families.