Purpose The purpose of this article is to illustrate and discuss the impact the 2019 novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the delivery of obstetric care, including a discussion on the preexisting barriers, prenatal framework and need for transition to telehealth. Description The COVID-19 was first detected in China in December of 2019 and by March 2020 spread to the United States. As this virus has been associated with severe illness, it poses a threat to vulnerable populations-including pregnant women. The obstetric population already faces multiple barriers to receiving quality healthcare due to personal, environmental and economic barriers, now challenged with the additional risks of COVID-19 exposure and limited care in times much defined by social distancing. Assessment The current prenatal care framework requires patients to attend multiple in-office prenatal visits that can exponentially multiply depending on maternal and fetal comorbidities. To decrease the rate of transmission of the COVID-19 and limit exposure to patients, providers in Hillsborough County, Florida (and nationwide) are rapidly transitioning to telehealth. The use of a virtual care model allows providers to reduce in-person visits and incorporate virtual visits into the schedule of prenatal care. Conclusion Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, implementation of telehealth and telehealth have become crucial to ensure the safe and effective delivery of obstetric care. This implementation is one that will continue to require attention to planning, procedures and processes, and thoughtful evaluation to ensure the sustainability of telehealth and telehealth post COVID-19 pandemic.

Background Worldwide, women continue to experience barriers to accessing early prenatal care. Given the unique nature of the United States health care system, this study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to early prenatal care reported by women in Florida. Methods A mixed‐methods study of postpartum women with entry to care after 14 weeks’ gestation was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Florida. First, eligible women completed a survey including demographic characteristics and open‐ended questions on prenatal care barriers. Second, a semi‐structured interview was conducted to contextualize the conditions of access. The qualitative analysis was based on the combined theoretical frameworks of Phillippi and Khan. Results The majority of the 55 participants self‐identified as Hispanic (n = 28, 51%), non‐Hispanic White (n = 12, 22%), or non‐Hispanic Black (n = 9, 16%). Quantitative analysis identified frequent barriers, including the following: “couldn't get an appointment when wanted one” (n = 24, 47%); “didn't have insurance” (n = 21, 41%); and “not aware of pregnancy” (n = 21, 41%). From the combined quantitative and qualitative analyses, three major themes emerged that help to explain barriers faced by birthing people in Florida: personal factors (mental health, awareness of pregnancy, considering abortion, tumultuous life), community conditions (transportation, stigma/fear, social support), and health care system (language barriers, delay at clinic level, cost of care). Discussion Barriers to early prenatal care are multifaceted and operate at personal, societal, and health care systems levels. Prenatal care practitioners have multiple potential targets for interventions at the clinic level to help mitigate barriers to early prenatal care. Strategies should include health care policy reforms to Medicaid access and interventions at the clinic level aimed at fast‐tracking access to care.

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Objective: The aim of this evaluation was to assess the rapid implementation of obstetric telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic using the Consolidated Framework in Implementation Research (CFIR) evaluation framework. Study Design: Following one month of telemedicine implementation, obstetric providers at the University of South Florida clinic completed qualitative surveys and in-depth interviews about the implementation of obstetric telemedicine in the clinic guided by the CFIR evaluation framework. Results: Overall, providers considered obstetric telemedicine comparable to traditional in-person clinic visits and acknowledged that they were adequately prepared for the telemedicine implementation. Advantages included the simplicity of implementation, reduced exposure to COVID-19 infection, and convenience factors. Although obstetric telemedicine mostly met patient needs, a lack of access to at-home monitoring devices, physical examinations, reliable internet service, and privacy concerns posed as barriers. Conclusion: The implementation of the obstetric telemedicine care model was deemed a favorable, safe alternative option for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.