Strengthening the evidence base for telehealth for abortion service delivery

• Authors: Nadi Kaonga, Emory University
• Journal Title: Journal of Maine Medical Center
• Volume: Volume 2, Number 2
• Publisher: Maine Health | 2020
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.46804/2641-2225.1061
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology; Health Sciences, Health Care Management

Abstract

Telehealth uses information and communication technology to remotely deliver clinical services to patients, and it provides an opportunity to extend safe abortion services to women. A recent review article revealed that telehealth for abortion service delivery is acceptable, feasible, and safe when compared to inperson service delivery. Despite the promising findings, the evidence base can and should be strengthened to optimize the impact of such services for women. Areas for improvement include evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of telehealth implementations in more remote settings and among women with different levels of technoliteracy, conducting costeffectiveness analyses, and articulating how data privacy and security are protected. Additionally, the Principles for Digital Development can be used as a guide to integrate and share best practices for enhancing the impact of telehealth in abortion service delivery