Implementation of a statewide, multisite fetal tele-echocardiography program: evaluation of more than 1100 fetuses over 9 years.

Abstract

We sought to describe the implementation and effectiveness of a statewide fetal tele-echocardiography program serving a resource-limited population. In 2009, our heart center established six satellite clinics for fetal tele-echocardiography around the state. We retrospectively reviewed all fetal tele-echocardiograms performed through 2018. Yearly statewide prenatal detection rates of operable congenital heart disease were queried from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database. In 1164 fetuses, fetal tele-echocardiography identified all types of congenital heart disease, with a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 97%. For the detection of ductal-dependent congenital heart disease, fetal tele-echocardiography was 100% sensitive and specific. Between 2009 and 2018, annual statewide prenatal detection rates of congenital heart disease requiring heart surgery in the first 6 months of life rose by 159% (17-44%; R2 = 0.88, p < 0.01). The present study provides a framework for an effective, large-scale fetal tele-echocardiography program.