Boydell Nicola, Buijsen Sophie, Reynolds-Wright John Joseph, Cameron Sharon T, Harden Jeni
Usher Institute, Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
Science, Technology and Innovation Studies, School of Social and Political Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
BMJ Sex Reprod Health. 2024 Dec 30. doi: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2024-202428.
Access to post-abortion contraception (PAC) is critical for reducing unintended pregnancies and supporting reproductive decision-making. Patients often face challenges in identifying, accessing and initiating their preferred contraceptive methods post-abortion. This may be particularly so with telemedicine models of care with absence of in-person appointments, and reduced opportunities to provide some contraceptive methods. This qualitative service evaluation explored patients' perspectives on PAC consultations and decision-making to inform future PAC service models in the era of telemedicine.
Qualitative interviews with 15 patients who had telemedicine medical abortion at home up to 12 weeks' gestation. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Contraceptive discussions during pre-abortion consultations were valued for supporting informed choices about future contraceptive use. Decision-making was influenced by previous contraception experiences, emotional state at the time of abortion and concerns about contraceptive 'failure'. Some preferred non-hormonal methods due to past negative experiences with hormonal contraceptives. However, limited information about 'natural' contraceptive methods and concerns about discussing these with healthcare professionals were described. Barriers to accessing preferred methods, particularly long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), included reduced availability of appointments and caring responsibilities. Fast-tracked appointments for LARC fitting post-abortion were valued. The need for flexible PAC consultations and access after abortion, for example, remote consultations complemented by personalised interactions with sexual and reproductive health experts, was emphasised.
The findings highlight the need for flexible and more accessible PAC service models in the era of telemedicine care to ensure timely access to preferred contraceptive methods.
