Medication Abortion, Telemedicine
Conditions
Brief summary
The objective of this study is to evaluate whether there are different clinical outcomes and unscheduled follow-ups between in-person and telemedicine medication abortion, and to better understand patients' experiences with telemedicine medication abortion and their motivations for seeking unscheduled follow-up care in a setting where abortion care, including both virtual and in-person follow-up care, is readily accessible.
Detailed description
This study will be retrospective chart review comparing clinical and demographic characteristics, eligibility, treatment success, participation in unscheduled and scheduled follow-ups, and adverse events of patients who obtained a telemedicine medication abortion through the Telehealth Medication Abortion Clinic with patients who received an in-person medication abortion provided at the Family Planning Faculty Practice from June 2023 through September 2024.
Interventions
OTHERTelemedicine Medication Abortion
Meeting with a clinician via video visit to determine if patient is eligible for medication abortion without pre-treatment ultrasound or laboratory testing. If eligible, the patient travels to clinic to pick up medications in person.
Sponsors
Columbia University
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
RETROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Received telemedicine or in-person medication abortion at Columbia University Irving Medical Center's associated practices from June 12, 2023 through September 30, 2024 * Gestational age \<70 days (based on best obstetrical dating) * English or Spanish speaking
Exclusion criteria
* Received mifepristone and misoprostol for early pregnancy loss * Patient determined to have contraindication to medication abortion * Opted for procedural management instead of medication abortion * Decided to continue with the pregnancy * Presenting for a second medication abortion at CUIMC during the study period * Non-English or Spanish speaking
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Number of unscheduled follow-ups | 3 months after initial encounter | If patients engaged in follow-up are outside of their routinely scheduled follow-up visit 1-2 weeks after medication abortion |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed