Telehealth for Contraceptive Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Provider Perspectives
| Autor: | Lavanya Rao, Alison B. Comfort, S. Sei Dojiri, Suzan Goodman, Jennifer Yarger, Nishant Shah, Connie Folse, Maya Blum, Julia Hankin, Cynthia C. Harper |
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| Rok vydání: | 2022 |
| Předmět: |
Health (social science)
Adolescent Prevention Contraception/Reproduction Public Health Environmental and Occupational Health COVID-19 8.1 Organisation and delivery of services Obstetrics and Gynecology Health Services Telemedicine United States Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine Contraception Good Health and Well Being Contraceptive Agents Clinical Research Behavioral and Social Science Maternity and Midwifery Public Health and Health Services Humans Public Health Pandemics Health and social care services research |
| Zdroj: | Women's health issues : official publication of the Jacobs Institute of Women's Health, vol 32, iss 5 |
| ISSN: | 1049-3867 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.whi.2022.05.001 |
| Popis: | BackgroundTelehealth use rapidly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, including for contraceptive care (e.g., counseling and method provision). This study explored providers' experiences with contraceptive care via telehealth.MethodsWe conducted a survey with open-ended responses among contraceptive providers across the United States. The study population included physicians, nurse practitioners, health educators, and other health professionals (n=546). Data were collected from April 10, 2020, to January 29, 2021. We conducted qualitative content analysis of the open-ended responses.ResultsProviders highlighted the benefits of telehealth, including continuing access to contraceptive services and accommodating patients who faced challenges attending in-person contraceptive visits. Providers at school-based health centers reported telehealth allowed them to reach young people while schools were closed. However, many providers noted a lack of patient awareness about the availability of telehealth services and disparities in access to technology. Providers felt there was less personal connection in virtual contraceptive counseling, noted challenges with confidentiality, and expressed concern about the inability to provide the full range of contraceptive methods through telehealth alone.ConclusionsThe pandemic significantly impacted contraceptive health care delivery. Telehealth has sustained access to contraception in important ways, but has been accompanied by various challenges, including technological access and confidentiality. As hybrid models of care evolve, it is important to assess how telehealth can play a role in providing contraceptive care while addressing its barriers. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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