Telemedicine technologies in the provision of obstetric and gynecological care. Strengths and weaknesses, threats and prospects

Aim . To assess the possibility of expanding the use of telemedicine technologies implemented in the Sverdlovsk region in the provision of obstetric and gynecological care by SWOT analysis of strengths, weaknesses, threats and prospects. Materials and methods . Based on the results of a survey of 305 pregnant women living in the Sverdlovsk region and 104 obstetricians and gynecologists, an analysis of data published in scientific articles and reviews, and a study of the legislative framework regulating the use of telemedicine technologies, a SWOT-analysis table was compiled. To identify the most significant parameters, the paired comparison method and the Saaty hierarchy analysis method were used. Judgments are accepted as consistent with a consistency ratio of ≤0.1. Results . The identified factors were combined into the corresponding tables: factors ensuring a stable position and competitive advantages (Strengths (S)), factors leading to a decrease in the volume of use and loss of competitiveness (Weaknesses (W)), positive factors beyond our influence. (Opportunities (O)) and negative factors beyond our control (Treats (T)). Conclusion . The main strength of the implemented technologies is recognized as the immediate transfer of information to the attending physician and curator to resolve issues regarding the need for emergency hospitalization, routing, and conducting a remote or inperson consultation in the event of remote detection of deviations in health parameters from standard values. The main opportunity for further use is recognized as the establishment of mandatory use of telemedicine technologies at the legislative level. The main weakness is the likelihood of data loss due to equipment failure. The main threat is the possibility of disclosure of medical confidentiality as a result of database hacking.