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Curtis KM, Kulkarni AD, Nguyen AT, Zapata LB, Kortsmit K, Smith RA, Whiteman MK. Changes in Commercial Insurance Claims for Contraceptive Services During the Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic-United States, January 2019-September 2020. Womens Health Issues 2024; 34:186-196. [PMID: 38065719 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We describe changes in commercial insurance claims for contraceptive services during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We analyzed commercial insurance claims using IQVIA PharMetrics Plus data from more than 9 million U.S. females aged 15-49 years, enrolled during any month, January 2019 through September 2020. We calculated monthly rates of outpatient claims for intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, and injectable contraception and monthly rates of pharmacy claims for contraceptive pills, patches, and rings. We used Joinpoint regression analysis to identify when statistically significant changes occurred in trends of monthly claims rates for each contraceptive method. We calculated monthly percentages of claims for contraceptive counseling via telehealth. RESULTS Monthly claims rates decreased for IUDs (-50%) and implants (-43%) comparing February 2020 with April 2020 but rebounded by June 2020. Monthly claims rates for injectables decreased (-19%) comparing January 2019 with September 2020, and monthly claims rates for pills, patches, and rings decreased (-22%) comparing July 2019 with September 2020. The percentage of claims for contraceptive counseling occurring via telehealth was low (<1%) in 2019, increased to 34% in April 2020, and decreased to 9-12% in June-September 2020. CONCLUSIONS Substantial changes in commercial insurance claims for contraceptive services occurred during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, including transient decreases in IUD and implant claims and increases in telehealth contraceptive counseling claims. Contraceptive claims data can be used by decision makers to identify service gaps and evaluate use of interventions like telehealth to improve contraceptive access, including during public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Curtis
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Aniket D Kulkarni
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Antoinette T Nguyen
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lauren B Zapata
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Katherine Kortsmit
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ruben A Smith
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Maura K Whiteman
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Merz-Herrala AA, Kerns JL, Logan R, Gutierrez S, Marshall C, Diamond-Smith N. Contraceptive care in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic: A social media survey of contraceptive access, telehealth use and telehealth quality. Contraception 2023; 123:110000. [PMID: 36871620 PMCID: PMC9985539 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2023.110000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine demographic, socioeconomic, and regional differences in contraceptive access, differences between telehealth and in-person contraception visits, and telehealth quality in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN We surveyed reproductive-age women about contraception visits during the COVID-19 pandemic via social media in July 2020 and January 2021. We used multivariable regression to examine relationships between age, racial/ethnic identity, educational attainment, income, insurance type, region, and COVID-19 related hardship, and ability to obtain a contraceptive appointment, telehealth vs in-person visits, and telehealth quality scores. RESULTS Among 2031 respondents seeking a contraception visit, 1490 (73.4%) reported any visit, of which 530 (35.6%) were telehealth. In adjusted analyses, lower odds of any visit was associated with Hispanic/Latinx and Mixed race/Other identity (aOR 0.59 [0.37-0.94], aOR 0.36 [0.22-0.59], respectively), the South, Midwest, Northeast (aOR 0.63 [0.47-0.85], aOR 0.64 [0.46-0.90], aOR 0.52 [CI 0.36-0.75], respectively), no insurance (aOR 0.63 [0.43-0.91]), greater COVID-19 hardship (aOR 0.52 [0.31-0.87]), and earlier pandemic timing (January 2021 vs July 2020 aOR 2.14 [1.69-2.70]). Respondents from the Midwest and South had lower odds of telehealth vs in-person care (aOR 0.63 [0.44-0.88], aOR 0.54 [0.40-0.72], respectively). Hispanic/Latinx respondents and those in the Midwest had lower odds of high telehealth quality (aOR 0.37 [0.17-0.80], aOR 0.58 [0.35-0.95], respectively). CONCLUSIONS We found inequities in contraceptive care access, less telehealth use for contraception visits in the South and Midwest, and lower telehealth quality among Hispanic/Latinx people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research should focus on telehealth access, quality, and patients' preferences. IMPLICATIONS Historically marginalized groups have faced disproportionate barriers to contraceptive care, and telehealth for contraceptive care has not been employed equitably during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though telehealth has the potential to improve access to care, inequitable implementation could exacerbate existing disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison A Merz-Herrala
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, San Francisco, CA, United States.
| | - Jennifer L Kerns
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Rachel Logan
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Family and Community Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sirena Gutierrez
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Cassondra Marshall
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Nadia Diamond-Smith
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Pearlman Shapiro M, Myo M, Chen T, Nathan A, Raidoo S. Remote Provision of Medication Abortion and Contraception Through Telemedicine. Obstet Gynecol 2023:00006250-990000000-00746. [PMID: 37054393 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
This Narrative Review describes the remote provision of family planning services, including medication abortion and contraception, through telemedicine. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was a catalyst to shift toward telemedicine to maintain and expand access to crucial reproductive health services when public health measures necessitated social distancing. There are legal and political considerations when providing medication abortion through telemedicine, along with unique challenges, even more so after the Dobbs decision starkly limited options for much of the country. This review includes the literature describing the logistics of telemedicine and modes of delivery for medication abortion and details special considerations for contraceptive counseling. Health care professionals should feel empowered to adopt telemedicine practices to provide family planning services to their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marit Pearlman Shapiro
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and the University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California; and the University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
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Vazzano A, Briggs S, Kim L, Parekh J, Manlove J. Adapting Family Planning Service Delivery in Title X and School-Based Settings during COVID-19: Provider and Staff Experiences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3592. [PMID: 36834286 PMCID: PMC9963328 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced urgent and unique challenges to family planning providers and staff in ensuring continued access to high-quality services, particularly for groups who experience greater barriers to accessing services, such as women with systemically marginalized identities and adolescents and young adults (AYA). While research has documented key adaptations made to service delivery during the early phase of the pandemic, limited studies have used qualitative methods. This paper draws on qualitative interview data from family planning providers and staff in Title-X-funded clinics and school-based clinics-two settings that serve populations that experience greater barriers to accessing care-to (a) describe the adaptations made to service delivery during the first year of the pandemic and (b) explore provider and staff experiences and impressions implementing these adaptations. In-depth interviews were conducted with 75 providers and staff between February 2020 and February 2021. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed via inductive content analysis followed by thematic analysis. Four key themes were identified: (1) Title-X- and school-based staff made multiple, concurrent adaptations to continue family planning services; (2) providers embraced flexibility for patient-centered care; (3) school-based staff faced unique challenges to reaching and serving youth; and (4) COVID-19 created key opportunities for innovation. The findings suggest several lasting changes to family planning service delivery and provider mindsets at clinics serving populations hardest hit by the pandemic. Future studies should evaluate promising practices in family planning service delivery-including telehealth and streamlined administrative procedures-and explore how these are experienced by diverse patient populations, particularly AYA and those in areas where privacy or internet access are limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vazzano
- Child Trends, 7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1200W, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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5
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Steiner RJ, Zapata LB, Curtis KM, Whiteman MK, Carvalho Guimarães MA, Fasula AM, Tromble EE, Brittain AW, Nguyen A. Is the COVID-19 Pandemic Continuing to Impact Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for Adolescents? Findings From a 2021 Survey of US Physicians. J Adolesc Health 2023; 72:696-702. [PMID: 36775748 PMCID: PMC9916602 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Fall 2021 on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services among physicians whose practice provided these services to adolescents just before the pandemic. METHODS Data were from the DocStyles online panel survey administered September-November 2021 to US physicians who reported their practice provided SRH services to adolescent patients before the pandemic (n = 948). We calculated prevalence of service delivery challenges (e.g., limited long-acting reversible contraception services) and use of strategies to support access (e.g., telehealth) in the month prior to survey completion, compared these estimates with prevalence "at any point during the COVID-19 pandemic", and examined differences by physician specialty and adolescent patient volume. RESULTS Fewer physicians reported their practice experienced service delivery challenges in the month prior to survey completion than at any point during the pandemic. About 10% indicated limited long-acting reversible contraception and sexually transmitted infection testing services in the prior month overall; prevalence varied by physician specialty (e.g., 26% and 17%, respectively by service, among internists). Overall, about 25% of physicians reported reductions in walk-in hours, weekend/evening hours, and adolescents seeking care in the prior month. While most practices that initiated strategies supporting access to services during the pandemic used such strategies in the prior month, some practices (22%-37% depending on the strategy) did not. DISCUSSION Findings suggest some physicians who serve adolescents continued to experience challenges providing SRH services in the Fall 2021, and some discontinued strategies to support access that had been initiated during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley J. Steiner
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Reproductive Health, Atlanta, Georgia,Address correspondence to: Riley J. Steiner, M.P.H., Ph.D., Senior Director, Research and Evaluation, Power to Decide
| | - Lauren B. Zapata
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Reproductive Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kathryn M. Curtis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Reproductive Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Maura K. Whiteman
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Reproductive Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Amy M. Fasula
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Reproductive Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Erin E. Tromble
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of STD Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Anna W. Brittain
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Reproductive Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Antoinette Nguyen
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Reproductive Health, Atlanta, Georgia
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Sileo KM, Muhumuza C, Helal T, Olfers A, Lule H, Sekamatte S, Kershaw TS, Wanyenze RK, Kiene SM. Exploring the effects of COVID-19 on family planning: results from a qualitative study in rural Uganda following COVID-19 lockdown. Reprod Health 2023; 20:31. [PMID: 36759838 PMCID: PMC9910252 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01566-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has likely affected the already high unmet need for family planning in low- and middle-income countries. This qualitative study used Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Service Use as a theoretical framework to explore the possible ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic, including the impact of a 3-month government mandated lockdown, might affect family planning outcomes in rural Uganda. A secondary aim was to elicit recommendations to improve family planning service delivery in the context of COVID-19. METHODS Between June and October 2020, we conducted four focus group discussions with men and women separately (N = 26) who had an unmet need for family planning, and 15 key-informant interviews with community leaders and family planning stakeholders. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS We identified a significant disruption to the delivery of family planning services due to COVID-19, with potential negative effects on contraceptive use and risk for unintended pregnancy. COVID-19 had a negative effect on individual enabling factors such as family income, affecting service access, and on community enabling factors, such as transportation barriers and the disruption of community-based family planning delivery through village health teams and mobile clinics. Participants felt COVID-19 lockdown restrictions exacerbated existing contextual predisposing factors related to poverty and gender inequity, such as intimate partner violence and power inequities that diminish women's ability to refuse sex with their husband and their autonomy to use contraceptives. Recommendations to improve family planning service delivery in the context of COVID-19 centered on emergency preparedness, strengthening community health systems, and creating new ways to safely deliver contractive methods directly to communities during future COVID-19 lockdowns. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the consequences of COVID-19 lockdown on family planning distribution, as well as the exacerbation of gender inequities that limit women's autonomy in pregnancy prevention measures. To improve family planning service uptake in the context of COVID-19, there is a need to strengthen emergency preparedness and response, utilize community structures for contraceptive delivery, and address the underlying gender inequities that affect care seeking and service utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn M. Sileo
- Department of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA
| | | | - Teddy Helal
- Department of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA
| | - Allison Olfers
- Department of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA
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7
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Lindau ST, Jagai JS, Abramsohn EM, Fuller CM, Wroblewski KE, Pinkerton EA, Makelarski JA. Unwanted sexual activity among United States women early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 228:209.e1-209.e16. [PMID: 36241078 PMCID: PMC9553968 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female sexual activity and, accordingly, birth rates tend to decline in times of stress, such as a pandemic. In addition, when resources are scarce or exogenous conditions are threatening, some women may engage in sexual activity primarily to maintain socioeconomic security. Having unwanted sex may indicate sexual activity in exchange for economic security. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe patterns and correlates of unwanted sex, defined as having sex more frequently than desired, among US women early in the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN The National US Women's Health COVID-19 Study was conducted in April 2020, using a nested quota sample design to enroll 3200 English-speaking women (88% cooperation rate) aged 18 to 90 years recruited from a research panel. The quota strata ensured sufficient sample sizes in sociodemographic groups of interest, namely, racial and ethnic subgroups. Patterns of sexual activity, including unwanted sex early in the pandemic, were described. To further elucidate the experiences of women reporting unwanted sex, open-ended responses to an item querying "how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting your sex life" were assessed using conventional content analysis. Logistic regression analyses-adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported health, and prepandemic health-related socioeconomic risk factors, including food insecurity, housing instability, utilities and transportation difficulties, and interpersonal violence-were used to model the odds of unwanted sex by a pandemic-related change in health-related socioeconomic risk factors. RESULTS The proportion of women who were sexually active early in the pandemic (51%) was about the same as in the 12 months before the pandemic (52%), although 7% of women became active, and 7% of women became inactive. Overall, 11% of sexually active women were having unwanted sex in the early pandemic. The rates of anxiety, depression, traumatic stress symptoms, and each of the 5 health-related socioeconomic risk factors assessed were about 2 times higher among women having unwanted sex than other women (P<.001). Women having unwanted sex were also 5 times more likely than other women to report an increased frequency of sex since the pandemic (65% vs 13%; P<.001) and 6 times more likely to be using emergency contraception (18% vs 3%; P<.001). Women reporting unwanted sex commonly described decreased libido or interest in sex related to mood changes since the pandemic, having "more sex," fear or worry about the transmission of the virus because of sex, and having sex to meet the partner's needs. Among sexually active women, the odds of unwanted sex (adjusting for demographic, reproductive, and health factors) were higher among women with 1 prepandemic health-related socioeconomic risk factor (adjusted odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-3.8) and 2 or more prepandemic health-related socioeconomic risk factors (adjusted odds ratio, 6.0; 95% confidence interval, 3.4-10.6). Among sexually active women with any prepandemic health-related socioeconomic risk factor, those with new or worsening transportation difficulties early in the pandemic were particularly vulnerable to unwanted sex (adjusted odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-4.3). CONCLUSION More than 1 in 10 sexually active US women was having unwanted sex early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Socioeconomically vulnerable women, especially those with new or worsening transportation problems because of the pandemic, were more likely than others to engage in unwanted sex. Pandemic response and recovery efforts should seek to mitigate unwanted sexual activity and related health and social risks among women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy T Lindau
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL; Medicine Geriatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
| | - Jyotsna S Jagai
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Emily M Abramsohn
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Charles M Fuller
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | | | - El A Pinkerton
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Jennifer A Makelarski
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL; College of Science and Health, Benedictine University, Lisle, IL
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Cantor AG, Nelson HD, Pappas M, Atchison C, Hatch B, Huguet N, Flynn B, McDonagh M. Telehealth for Women's Preventive Services for Reproductive Health and Intimate Partner Violence: a Comparative Effectiveness Review. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:1735-1743. [PMID: 36650334 PMCID: PMC9845023 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08033-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth delivery of preventive health services may improve access to care; however, its effectiveness and adverse effects are unknown. We conducted a comparative effectiveness review on the effectiveness and harms of telehealth interventions for women's reproductive health and intimate partner violence (IPV) services. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Scopus for English-language studies (July 2016 to May 2022) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies of telehealth strategies for women's reproductive health and IPV versus usual care. Two investigators identified studies and abstracted data using a predefined protocol. Study quality was assessed using study design-specific standardized methods; disagreements were resolved through consensus. RESULTS Eight RCTs, 1 nonrandomized trial, and 7 observational studies (n=10 731) were included (7 studies of contraceptive care and 9 of IPV services). Telehealth interventions to supplement contraceptive care demonstrated similar rates as usual care for contraceptive use, sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy (low strength of evidence [SOE]); evidence on abortion was insufficient. Outcomes were also similar between telehealth interventions to replace or supplement IPV services and comparators for repeat IPV, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, fear of partner, coercive control, self-efficacy, and safety behaviors (low SOE). In these studies, telehealth barriers included limited internet access, digital literacy, technical challenges, and confidentiality concerns. Strategies to ensure safety increased telehealth use for IPV services. Evidence on access, health equity, or harms was lacking. DISCUSSION Telehealth interventions for contraceptive care and IPV services demonstrate equivalent clinical and patient-reported outcomes versus in-person care, although few studies are available. Effective approaches for delivering these services and how to best mobilize telehealth, particularly for women facing barriers to care remain uncertain. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021282298.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy G Cantor
- Pacific Northwest Evidence-Based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC; 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA. .,Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC; 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC; 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Heidi D Nelson
- Kaiser Permanente Bernard D. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Miranda Pappas
- Pacific Northwest Evidence-Based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC; 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Chandler Atchison
- Pacific Northwest Evidence-Based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC; 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Brigit Hatch
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC; 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Nathalie Huguet
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC; 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Brittny Flynn
- Oregon Health & Science University, School of Medicine, BICC; 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Marian McDonagh
- Pacific Northwest Evidence-Based Practice Center, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, BICC; 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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Phianphitthayakul OA, Li J, Rongkapich R, Karroon P, Vatrasresth J, Jaisamrarn U, Santibenchakul S. Client experiences with telehealth using LINE for consultation and assessment of adverse effects of contraceptive implants during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231203877. [PMID: 37780063 PMCID: PMC10540598 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231203877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to examine clients' experiences with telehealth use for contraceptive implant consultation. Methods An online, self-administered survey was conducted with women who used contraceptive implants and faced adverse effects, inquired about side effects, or had concerns. Clients received consultations via LINE, which is a free chat application widely used in Thailand. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding their experiences and satisfaction within 7 days after using the service and a follow-up questionnaire to inquire about the need for in-person services 30 days after using the service. Results The participants were 200 women, with a response rate of 82%. Overall, 94% of participants were satisfied with the consultation. Moreover, 37.5% received a message response within 6 hours, and most (89.5%) got a response within 24 hours. The three most frequently reported symptoms were abnormal bleeding or spotting, mood swings, and itching or pain at the surgical site. Most adverse effects were managed through online consultation. Approximately one-third of the participants required in-person visits 30 days after telehealth consultation. Conclusions Telehealth consultation for contraceptive implant follow-up resulted in high client satisfaction. Most adverse effects could be managed using telehealth services. Therefore, telehealth could ensure sustained accessibility to reproductive healthcare during and post-COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- On-anya Phianphitthayakul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jiayu Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Parichart Karroon
- Nursing Department, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jarika Vatrasresth
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Unnop Jaisamrarn
- Center of Excellence in Menopause and Aging Women Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somsook Santibenchakul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
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10
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VanBenschoten H, Kuganantham H, Larsson EC, Endler M, Thorson A, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Hanson C, Ganatra B, Ali M, Cleeve A. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to and utilisation of services for sexual and reproductive health: a scoping review. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-009594. [PMID: 36202429 PMCID: PMC9539651 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-009594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted health systems globally and widened preexisting disparities. We conducted a scoping review on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women and girls’ access to and utilisation of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for contraception, abortion, gender-based and intimate partner violence (GBV/IPV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Methods We systematically searched peer reviewed literature and quantitative reports, published between December 2019 and July 2021, focused on women and girls’ (15–49 years old) access to and utilisation of selected SRH services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Included studies were grouped based on setting, SRH service area, study design, population and reported impact. Qualitative data were coded, organised thematically and grouped by major findings. Results We included 83 of 3067 identified studies and found that access to contraception, in-person safe abortion services, in-person services for GBV/IPV and STI/HIV testing, prevention and treatment decreased. The geographical distribution of this body of research was uneven and significantly less representative of countries where COVID-19 restrictions were very strict. Access was limited by demand and supply side barriers including transportation disruptions, financial hardships, limited resources and legal restrictions. Few studies focused on marginalised groups with distinct SRH needs. Conclusion Reports indicated negative impacts on access to and utilisation of SRH services globally, especially for marginalised populations during the pandemic. Our findings call for strengthening of health systems preparedness and resilience to safeguard global access to essential SRH services in ongoing and future emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah VanBenschoten
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Elin C Larsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden,WHO Collaborating Center for Human Reproduction, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Margit Endler
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,Department of Obsetrics and Gynecology, Stockholm South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Thorson
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, WHO, Geneve, Switzerland,Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden,WHO Collaborating Center for Human Reproduction, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claudia Hanson
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden,Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London, UK
| | - Bela Ganatra
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, WHO, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Moazzam Ali
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, WHO, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Amanda Cleeve
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden,Department of Obsetrics and Gynecology, Stockholm South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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11
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Rocca CH, Parra M, Muñoz I, Foster DG, Boscardin WJ, Ralph LJ. Comparison of Pregnancy Preferences Preceding vs Year 1 of the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2220093. [PMID: 35788671 PMCID: PMC9257576 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.20093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Understanding how the COVID-19 pandemic affected people's desire to avoid pregnancy is essential for interpreting the pandemic's associations with access to reproductive health care and reproductive autonomy. Early research is largely cross-sectional and relies on people's own evaluations of how their desires changed. OBJECTIVE To investigate longitudinal changes in pregnancy desires during the year before and the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this cohort study, participants reported their pregnancy preferences at baseline and quarterly for up to 18 months between March 2019 and March 2021. An interrupted time series analysis with mixed-effects segmented linear regression was used to examine population-averaged time trends. People were recruited from 7 primary and reproductive health care facilities in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Participants were sexually active, pregnancy-capable people aged 15 to 34 years who were not pregnant or sterilized. Data analysis was performed from September 2021 to January 2022. EXPOSURES Continuous time, with knots at the onset of the first (July 1, 2020, summer surge) and second (November 1, 2020, fall surge) COVID-19 cases surges in the Southwest. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Preferences around potential pregnancy in the next 3 months, measured using the validated Desire to Avoid Pregnancy (DAP) scale (range, 0-4, with 4 indicating a higher desire to avoid pregnancy). RESULTS The 627 participants in the analytical sample had a mean (SD) age of 24.9 (4.9) years; 320 (51.0%) identified as Latinx and 180 (28.7%) as White. Over the year before the first case surge in the US Southwest in summer 2020, population-averaged DAP scores decreased steadily over time (-0.06 point per quarter; 95% CI, -0.07 to -0.04 point per quarter; P < .001). During the summer 2020 surge, DAP scores stopped declining (0.05 point per quarter; 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.13 point per quarter; change in slope, P < .001). During the fall 2020 surge, however, DAP scores declined again at -0.11 point per quarter (95% CI, -0.26 to 0.04 point per quarter; change in slope, P = .10). Participants aged 15 to 24 years and those who were nulliparous and primiparous experienced greater declines in DAP score before the summer surge, and greater reversals of decline between summer and fall 2020, than did those who were aged 25 to 34 years and multiparous. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic onset was associated with the stalling of a prior trend toward greater desire for pregnancy over time, particularly for people earlier in their reproductive lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne H. Rocca
- Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, Oakland
| | - Miriam Parra
- Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, Oakland
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Isabel Muñoz
- Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, Oakland
- School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Diana G. Foster
- Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, Oakland
| | - W. John Boscardin
- School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
- School of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Lauren J. Ralph
- Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, Oakland
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12
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Dethier D, Qasba N, Kaneshiro B. Society of Family Planning Clinical Recommendation: Extended Use of Long Acting Reversible Contraception. Contraception 2022; 113:13-18. [PMID: 35716806 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In this clinical recommendation, we review the evidence supporting the use of the copper intrauterine device, levonorgestrel intrauterine devices and etonogestrel subdermal implant beyond the Food and Drug Administration approved duration of use for contraception (extended use). Clinicians should discuss effectiveness as well as other clinical considerations with patients to allow them to make contraceptive decisions that support their reproductive goals and clinical needs. Extended use of long acting reversible contraception may be a safe, effective and desirable option for many patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Dethier
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Hawai`i, John A. Burns School of Medicine, 1319 Punahou Street #824, Honolulu, HI, 96826.
| | - Neena Qasba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School - Baystate, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199, USA
| | - Bliss Kaneshiro
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Hawai`i, John A. Burns School of Medicine, 1319 Punahou Street #824, Honolulu, HI, 96826
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13
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Comfort AB, Rao L, Goodman S, Raine-Bennett T, Barney A, Mengesha B, Harper CC. Assessing differences in contraceptive provision through telemedicine among reproductive health providers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Reprod Health 2022; 19:99. [PMID: 35459218 PMCID: PMC9026031 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01388-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Providers faced challenges in maintaining patient access to contraceptive services and public health safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to increased barriers to care, providers increasingly used telemedicine for contraceptive care, curbside services, mail-order pharmacies, and on-line or home delivery of contraceptive methods, including self-administration of subcutaneous depo medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SQ). To better understand how reproductive health providers adapted service provision during the pandemic, this study assessed clinical practice changes and strategies providers adopted throughout the United States to maintain contraceptive care, particularly when clinics closed on-site, and the challenges that remained in offering contraceptive services, especially to marginalized patient populations. Methods We surveyed U.S. providers and clinic staff (n = 907) in April 2020–January 2021, collecting data on contraceptive service delivery challenges and adaptations, including telemedicine. We assessed clinical practice changes with multivariate regression analyses using generalized linear models with a Poisson distribution and cluster robust standard errors, adjusting for clinic patient volume, practice setting, region, Title X funding, and time of survey. Results While 80% of providers reported their clinic remained open, 20% were closed on-site. Providers said the pandemic made it more difficult to offer the full range of contraceptive methods (65%), contraceptive counseling (61%) or to meet the needs of patients in marginalized communities (50%). While only 11% of providers offered telemedicine pre-pandemic, most offered telemedicine visits (79%) during the pandemic. Some used mail-order pharmacies (35%), curbside contraceptive services (22%), and DMPA-SQ for self-administration (10%). Clinics that closed on-site were more likely to use mail-order pharmacies (aRR 1.83, 95% CI [1.37–2.44]) and prescribe self-administered DMPA-SQ (aRR 3.85, 95% CI [2.40–6.18]). Clinics closed on-site were just as likely to use telemedicine as those that remained open. Among clinics using telemedicine, those closed on-site continued facing challenges in contraceptive service provision. Conclusions Clinics closing on-site were just as likely to offer telemedicine, but faced greater challenges in offering contraceptive counseling and the full range of contraceptive methods, and meeting the needs of marginalized communities. Maintaining in-person care for contraceptive services, in spite of staffing shortages and financial difficulties, is an important objective during and beyond the pandemic. Providers faced challenges in maintaining patient access to contraceptive services and public health safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to increased barriers to care, providers increasingly used telemedicine for contraceptive care as well as using curbside services, mail-order pharmacies, and on-line or home delivery of contraceptive methods, including self-administration of subcutaneous depo medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SQ). This study examined use of telemedicine and other clinical practice changes among U.S. contraceptive providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. We surveyed providers (n=907) in April 2020–January 2021, collecting data on contraceptive service delivery challenges and adaptations, including telemedicine. Our analyses showed that, in response to the pandemic, many clinics adopted telemedicine to offer contraceptive services. Furthermore, clinics that were closed on-site were just as likely to start offering telemedicine visits during the pandemic as those that remained open. Despite these adaptions, clinics still faced challenges in offering the full range of contraceptive methods, providing contraceptive counseling, and meeting the needs of patients in marginalized communities. Offering telemedicine visits during the pandemic did not reduce the challenges in offering contraceptive services. Few studies have focused on providers and the clinical practice changes they rapidly achieved to maintain contraceptive access for their patients during the pandemic. Our results highlighted that telemedicine should be considered as a complement to on-site care because of the challenges in providing full services without in-person visits. Maintaining in-person care for contraceptive services, in spite of staffing shortages and financial difficulties, is an important objective during and beyond the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison B Comfort
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Lavanya Rao
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Deloitte, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Suzan Goodman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tina Raine-Bennett
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA, USA.,Medicines360, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Angela Barney
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Biftu Mengesha
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Cynthia C Harper
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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14
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Telehealth for contraceptive care: Lessons from staff and clinicians for improving implementation and sustainability in Illinois. Contracept X 2022; 4:100083. [PMID: 36060498 PMCID: PMC9436702 DOI: 10.1016/j.conx.2022.100083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To solicit Illinois staff and clinician perspectives on rapid implementation of telehealth for contraceptive counseling and recommendations to improve and sustain it in the long term. Study design Researchers recruited and interviewed clinicians (n = 20) in primary care and obstetrics/gynecology clinics across 13 health care systems in Illinois, as well as clinicians (n = 11), leadership (n = 6) and staff (n = 7) from Planned Parenthood of Illinois clinics. Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, we coded and analyzed interview transcripts in Dedoose with a focus on themes regarding steps to improve quality and sustainability of telehealth. Results Participants expressed generally positive attitudes towards telehealth, noting that it increased access to care and time for patient education. Still, many highlighted areas of implementation that needed improvement. Clinic operations were complicated by gaps in telehealth training and the logistical needs of balancing telehealth and in-person appointments. Clinics had difficulty ensuring patient awareness of telehealth as an option for care, in addition to deficiencies with the telehealth technology itself. Finally, innovative resources for telehealth patients, while existent, have not been evenly offered across clinics. This includes the use of self-injection birth control, as well as providing medical equipment such as blood pressure cuffs in community settings. Some themes reflect issues specific to contraceptive counseling while others reflect issues with telehealth implementation in general, including confusion about reimbursement. Conclusion Illinois contraceptive care providers and staff wish to sustain telehealth for the long term, while also recommending specific improvements to patient communications, clinic operations, and access to supportive resources. Implications Our study highlights considerations for clinics to optimize implementation of telehealth services for contraceptive care. Providers described the value of clear workflows to balance in-person and telehealth visits, streamlined communications platforms, targeted patient outreach, training on providing virtual contraceptive care, and creative approaches to ensuring patient access to resources.
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