Publicly Funded Family Planning Organizations' Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Texas.
Womens Health Issues
; 33(3): 228-234, 2023.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20238552
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of family planning services decreased, but there are limited data on how safety net providers were affected.METHODS:
Between November 2020 and March 2021, we conducted in-depth interviews with administrators at health departments, federally qualified health centers, and specialized family planning organizations across Texas about pandemic-related changes in family planning services. We analyzed interview transcripts using an inductive thematic approach.RESULTS:
Administrators at the 19 participating organizations described pervasive service disruptions. Some organizations closed for 6-8 weeks at the pandemic's onset owing to safety uncertainties and difficulty interpreting Texas' March 2020 executive order prohibiting "nonessential" medical services; others later suspended services after staff exposures. Health departments and federally qualified health centers commonly decreased family planning services to focus on COVID-19 response, leaving specialized family planning organizations to absorb displaced reproductive health care clients. Some of the advantages of service delivery modifications-including telehealth, curbside and drive-through prescription pickup, and medication by mail-were difficult to realize; barriers included low reimbursement, necessary patient examinations, and clients' confidentiality concerns and lack of technological resources.CONCLUSIONS:
Texas' diverse network of family planning organizations illustrated a range of responses to the pandemic, and organizations often focused on their core missions-public health, primary care, or family planning.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Family Planning Services
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Qualitative research
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
North America
Language:
English
Journal:
Womens Health Issues
Journal subject:
Gynecology
/
Obstetrics
/
Women's Health
Year:
2023
Document Type:
Article
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