Table 2.

Interviews: patient reactions and decisions about virtual visits (n = 18)

Code	n (%)	Illustrative Quote(s)
Initial Reaction
Excited	9 (50)	“I was like oh, that’s awesome!”
Surprised	9 (5)	“I was like, wait, that’s an option? I was shocked.” "I kind of questioned having a virtual visit living 10–15 min away… I think of telemedicine… in rural areas… [without] access to [doctors] close by."
Ambivalent	6 (33)	"It was fine. I was like ok, that’s an option, we can try it."
Relieved (avoid COVID)	2 (11)	“Due to [COVID-19], I felt relieved.”
Initial Concerns
None		"I had no concerns because I really trust [my doctor]… If she [was] concern[ed], she would tell me… to come [in]."
Advance set-up	10 (56)
Tech savvy	3 (17)
Trust in provider	1 (6)
Low risk pregnancy	1 (6)
Previous healthy pregnancy	1 (6)
Work in medicine	1 (6)
Virtual visit limitations	6 (33)	"When a baby’s involved, you want to ensure [everything's okay]. You can’t do as much virtually as in person.” "There’s a lot of benefit to going into the office and having a doctor lay hands on you.”
Self vital reliability	4 (22)	“You’re trying to [take your] blood pressure [and the baby's] heartbeat at home [when] obviously your doctor knows more than you do."
Decision-Making Factors
Convenience	13 (72)	"I’m a very laid-back person, so [it’s] a lot of traveling for a quick check-up." “I don’t want to leave the house, I’m too tired. Getting [my kids] in and out of the car… –…we can do this at home now.”
No travel	9 (50)
For work	7 (39)
For childcare	5 (28)
Comfort of home	2 (11)
Patient trust in and loyalty to provider/institution	7 (39)	“I trust them implicitly.” "I had a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy, and [my doctor] rescued me. So I had a lot of confidence in him.” “It was better to virtually see her than to see another doc.”
Patient comfort	4 (22)	“I felt comfortable with it.” “Two days before my virtual visit I had a hematologist appointment, so my vitals and everything were checked then… that also made me more comfortable.”
Provider comfort	3 (17)	“My doctor was confident and comfortable with it.” "If they’re giving me an option, it’s because they’re okay either way."
Limiting exposures	3 (17)	“[T]he more I c[an] do to protect my unborn baby and family I will do.” "[Until COVID] I did [in-person visits,] I guess just because we’re creatures of habit."
No expense	2 (11)	"I’m a single mom so it’s really hard to balance everything… I’m glad… you didn't [need] special insurance."