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Bridging the gap with virtual prenatal care
Telemedicine has been used to provide prenatal screening services to pregnant women in the Chaudière-Appalaches region since 2023. This is made possible thanks to a special examination room equipped with internet-connected screens and state-of-the-art technology. The innovative approach was implemented by Dr. Emmanuel Bujold and his team so that patients living outside major cities wouldn’t have to travel long distances to see an obstetrician-gynecologist.
From ultrasounds to cardiovascular assessment, many aspects of a patient's health can be assessed at this remote health clinic. Data is transmitted live to the attending physician at the Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec – Université Laval. This makes it much easier for pregnant patients living in remote areas to access specialized care. While it sounds simple, getting the clinic set up wasn’t easy.
This is a story of challenges. Although the initial idea for remote prenatal care was quickly welcomed by decision-makers, it took several years to get the In Utero clinic up and running. The problem was a complicated puzzle of bureaucracy—but one that Dr. Bujold was determined to solve. Convinced that his idea would revolutionize maternal healthcare in remote areas, he took it upon himself to approach charitable organizations and seek funding for the project. But there were more challenges to come. The future clinic would need reliable transportation for test samples, as well as specialized staff who could take clear 3D ultrasounds.
And then there were the bureaucratic requirements. Dr. Bujold was expected to have a comprehensive understanding of all the project's parameters before the clinic was set up, even though the principle of research and innovation is to determine the parameters as you go. But the specialist physician refused to give up the cause. He defended the idea, knowing that remote prenatal healthcare would ultimately help prevent complications that could jeopardize the health of both mothers and babies.
Thanks to the In Utero prenatal telemedicine clinic, pregnant women no longer need to travel to and from hospitals in the city. The virtual health service is convenient and provides them with a greater sense of security. The aim is to ensure that women who live in remote areas have access to the same level of medical expertise as those who live in major urban centres. With a focus on prevention, this type of care reduces medical complications, which can have a long-term impact on the health of both mother and child. It's a tremendous advancement for patients and their families.
Now that the In Utero clinic has been successfully set up, Dr. Bujold and his team have been asked to create a similar centre in the Gaspé region, with support from major research funding organizations.
Medical specialists like Dr. Bujold aren't just doctors who provide health consultations. They're both innovators in medicine and dedicated patient advocates. Their unwavering commitment is what drives new solutions in health services. Our healthcare system continues to improve thanks to their insights and willingness to overcome technical and bureaucratic challenges.
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The Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ) is made up of nearly 11,000 specialist physicians representing 59 recognized medical specialties. Our mission is to defend and support specialist doctors who are members of our affiliated associations and work in the public health system, while promoting quality care and services for the people of Quebec.