Telemedicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology: A Scoping Review of Enhancing Access and Outcomes in Modern Healthcare
Isameldin Elamin Medani, Ahlam Hakami, Uma Chourasia, Babiker Rahamtalla, Naser Mohsen Adawi, Marwa Elfatih Fadailu, Abeer Salih, Amani Abdelmola, Khalid Nasralla, Azza Mohamed Dawelbait, Noha Mustafa Yousf, Nazik Mubarak Hassan, Nesreen Alrashid Ali, Asma Ali Rizig
Abstract
Telemedicine has transformed obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to synthesize evidence on the adoption, effectiveness, barriers, and technological innovations of telemedicine in OB/GYN across diverse healthcare settings. This scoping review synthesized 63 peer-reviewed studies (2010-2023) using PRISMA-ScR guidelines to map global applications, outcomes, and challenges. Key modalities included synchronous consultations, remote monitoring, AI-assisted triage, tele-supervision, and asynchronous communication. Results demonstrated improved access to routine care and mental health support, with outcomes for low-risk pregnancies comparable to in-person services. Adoption surged >500% during pandemic peaks, stabilizing at 9-12% of services in high-income countries. However, significant disparities persisted: 43% of rural Sub-Saharan clinics lacked stable internet, while socioeconomic, linguistic, and cultural barriers disproportionately affected vulnerable populations (e.g., non-English-speaking, transgender, and refugee patients). Providers reported utility but also screen fatigue (41-68%) and diagnostic uncertainty. Critical barriers included fragmented policies, reimbursement variability, data privacy concerns, and limited evidence from conflict-affected regions. Sustainable integration requires equity-centered design, robust policy frameworks, rigorous longitudinal evaluation, and ethically validated AI to address clinical complexity and systemic gaps.