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Women's experiences of a telemedicine abortion service (up to 12 weeks) implemented during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: a qualitative evaluation.
Boydell, N; Reynolds-Wright, J J; Cameron, S T; Harden, J.
  • Boydell N; Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
  • Reynolds-Wright JJ; NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK.
  • Cameron ST; MRC Centre for Reproductive Healthcare, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
  • Harden J; NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK.
BJOG ; 128(11): 1752-1761, 2021 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1429453
ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:

To explore the experiences of women in Scotland who accessed medical abortion at home up to 12 weeks' gestation, delivered via a telemedicine abortion service implemented in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, to identify areas for improvement and inform service provision.

DESIGN:

Qualitative interview study.

SETTING:

Abortion service in one National Health Service health board in Scotland. POPULATION OR SAMPLE Twenty women who accessed telemedicine abortion services and self-administered mifepristone and misoprostol at home up to 12 weeks' gestation.

METHODS:

Thematic analysis of semi-structured qualitative interviews, informed by the Framework analytic approach. MAIN OUTCOME

MEASURES:

Women's experiences of accessing telemedicine for medical abortion at home, specifically acceptability of the telephone consultation and remote support; views on no pre-abortion ultrasound scan; and self-administration of abortion medications at home.

RESULTS:

Novel study findings were three-fold (1) participants valued the option of accessing abortion care via telemedicine and emphasised the benefits of providing a choice of telephone and in-person consultation to suit those with different life circumstances; (2) the quality of abortion care was enhanced by the telemedicine service in relation to access, comfort and flexibility, and ongoing telephone support; (3) participants described being comfortable with, and in some cases a preference for, not having an ultrasound scan.

CONCLUSIONS:

This research demonstrates support for the continuation of telemedicine abortion services beyond the temporary arrangements in place during COVID-19, and lends weight to the argument that offering the option of telemedicine abortion care can enable women to access this essential health service. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT #Telemedicine provision of medical #abortion at home up to 12 weeks' gestation is acceptable and highly valued by #women #Research #SRHR @nbw80 @doctorjjrw @jeniharden @cameronsharon @mrc_crh @edinuniusher.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Self Administration / Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / Patient Satisfaction / Abortion, Induced / Telemedicine Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Adult / Female / Humans / Pregnancy Country/Region as subject: Europa Language: English Journal: BJOG Journal subject: Gynecology / Obstetrics Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 1471-0528.16813

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Self Administration / Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / Patient Satisfaction / Abortion, Induced / Telemedicine Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Adult / Female / Humans / Pregnancy Country/Region as subject: Europa Language: English Journal: BJOG Journal subject: Gynecology / Obstetrics Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 1471-0528.16813