Opinions and expectations of postpartum women in the pandemic period about telehealth

This study was conducted in a descriptive type in order to determine the opinions and expectations of women in the postpartum period during the pandemic period regarding telehealth. Study data were collected from 108 women who gave birth in Yozgat City Hospital based on the number determined by power analysis. In collecting the data, "Descriptive Characteristics Questionnaire", "Question Form for Determining Opinions on Telehealth Applications" and "Question for Determining Women's Expectations Regarding Telehealth Applications" were used. The data collection phase took place in two contacts. The first contact took place in Yozgat City Hospital between 11.05.2021 and 30.06.2021. At this contact, only the women were informed about the study and their consent and contact information were obtained regarding their consent to participate in the study. The second contact was realized between 27.06.2021 and 13.08.2021. In the second contact, the data were collected by calling the women who completed 42 days after the birth by telephone. Number, percentage, chi-square and Fisher's Exact test were used to evaluate the data. Only %7.4 of women stated that health services cannot be provided by telephone and similar tools. It was determined that %95.4 of the women thought that the use of telehealth application would be beneficial, %94.4 thought that their application would provide convenience and %28.7 thought that it would create an obstacle.% 10.2 of women stated that they would not want to use telehealth applications. As a result of the study, it was found that women had service expectations in telehealth practice mostly in the solution of breast-related problems (%49.1), and at least in activity planning and counseling (%15.7) in conflicts with the spouse in changing roles. Regarding newborns, it was determined that they expected to receive telehealth services mostly for the relief of gas pain (%71.3) and at least for insomnia, food allergy, umbilical cord, weight control and protein allergy (%0.9). In case of providing a telehealth service that can meet the care expectations for the postpartum period, pandemic etc. It was concluded that it would be possible to use it by women during disaster periods. It is recommended that the same study be repeated in larger samples and except in extraordinary circumstances.