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. 2020 Jun;47(2):287-316.
doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2020.02.004. Epub 2020 Apr 29.

Telemedicine for Family Planning: A Scoping Review

Terri-Ann Thompson  1 , Sarita Sonalkar  2 , Jessica L Butler  3 , Daniel Grossman  4
Affiliations

Telemedicine for Family Planning: A Scoping Review

Terri-Ann Thompson et al. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2020 Jun.

Abstract

Telemedicine has the potential to increase access to family planning. The most common application involved the use of text message reminders and mobile apps. Text messaging increased knowledge in a variety of settings, but had no effect on contraceptive uptake and use. Two randomized studies found that text messaging improved continuation of oral contraceptives and injectables. Telemedicine provision of medication abortion included both clinic-to-clinic and direct-to-patient models of care. Telemedicine provision of medication abortion has been found to be equally safe and effective as in-person provision. Some measures of satisfaction are higher with telemedicine. Telemedicine may improve access to early abortion.

Keywords: Abortion; Contraception; Family planning; Medication abortion; Telehealth; Telemedicine.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure Dr D. Grossman has received consulting payments from Planned Parenthood Federation of America for work related to telemedicine for medication abortion.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Scoping literature review flow chart (modified PRISMA).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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