OBJECTIVES We assessed a telemedicine (TM) network's effects on decreasing deliveries of very low birth-weight (VLBW, <1500 grams) neonates in hospitals without Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and statewide infant mortality. STUDY DESIGN This prospective study used obstetrical and neonatal interventions through TM consults, education, and census rounds with 9 hospitals from July 1, 2009 – March 31, 2010. Using a generalized linear model, Medicaid data compared VLBW birth sites, mortality, and morbidity before and after TM use. Arkansas Health Department data and chi square analysis were used to compare infant mortality. RESULTS Deliveries of VLBW neonates in targeted hospitals decreased from 13.1% to 7.0% (p=0.0099); deliveries of VLBW neonates in remaining hospitals was unchanged. Mortality decreased in targeted hospitals (13.0% before TM and 6.7% after TM). Statewide infant mortality decreased from 8.5 to 7.0 per 1000 deliveries (p=0.043). CONCLUSIONS TM decreased deliveries of VLBW neonates in hospitals without NICUs and was associated with decreased statewide infant mortality..

OBJECTIVES-We assessed a telemedicine (TM) network's effects on decreasing deliveries of very low birth-weight (VLBW, <1500 grams) neonates in hospitals without Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and statewide infant mortality.STUDY DESIGN-This prospective study used obstetrical and neonatal interventions through TM consults, education, and census rounds with 9 hospitals from July 1, 2009 -March 31, 2010. Using a generalized linear model, Medicaid data compared VLBW birth sites, mortality, and morbidity before and after TM use. Arkansas Health Department data and chi square analysis were used to compare infant mortality.RESULTS-Deliveries of VLBW neonates in targeted hospitals decreased from 13.1% to 7.0% (p=0.0099); deliveries of VLBW neonates in remaining hospitals was unchanged. Mortality decreased in targeted hospitals (13.0% before TM and 6.7% after TM). Statewide infant mortality decreased from 8.5 to 7.0 per 1000 deliveries (p=0.043).CONCLUSIONS-TM decreased deliveries of VLBW neonates in hospitals without NICUs and was associated with decreased statewide infant mortality..