Pilot randomized controlled trial to assess satisfaction with contraceptive counseling using telephone versus video telehealth visits
Contraception
Awarded 2022
Contraceptive equity in telehealth
Emily Freeman, DO, MA, MS
Washington University
$25,000

The COVID-19 pandemic created a unique opportunity to develop strategies to ensure provision of reproductive health services. Telehealth can expand access to care; however, information about the patient experience with telehealth, including mode of technology is limited. Exploring patient satisfaction with contraceptive counseling delivered via two modes of telehealth can provide data that may strengthen the argument for continued virtual delivery of contraceptive counseling. Our primary objective is to compare patient satisfaction with contraceptive counseling delivered via telephone versus video. Secondary objectives include receipt of desired contraceptive method and identification of barriers with technology use. We will recruit patients scheduling a contraceptive care appointment at our Title-X funded family planning clinic. All patients are offered contraceptive counseling via telehealth at the time of appointment scheduling. Patients accepting telehealth counseling and willing to participate will be randomized to counseling via telephone or video. Following counseling, participants will complete a web-based, self-administered survey including the Interpersonal Quality in Family Planning scale, questions adapted from the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire, and questions about satisfaction with counseling and potential barriers to technology use. The ongoing pandemic highlights persistent inequities in healthcare and there is a continuing need for alternatives to in-person healthcare. However, research demonstrates these inequities may persist for individuals accessing telehealth services. Understanding patient satisfaction with contraceptive counseling delivered via different telehealth modalities will help us develop and adapt the use of telehealth services to provide more equitable, patient-centered healthcare and inform policy decisions regarding coverage for telehealth services.