Podcast explores how technology can sustain rural maternal care

The third section of a three-part American Hospital Association podcast on sustaining rural maternal care explores how hospitals are using technology-enabled care and strong regional partnerships to connect rural communities with clinical expertise to expand access to maternal care. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover, N.H., for example, offers expertise to rural healthcare providers and facilities throughout northern New England, regardless of whether they are part of Dartmouth Health. Similarly, Phoenix-based Banner Health uses its resources to strengthen care across its entire network. Hospitals rely on telemedicine, remote monitoring and virtual consultations to connect patients in rural communities with maternal fetal medicine specialists. The hospitals meet virtually with their urban counterparts to discuss best practices, including when to transfer high-risk patients.