Patient satisfaction with telemedicine for medication abortion: Survey data from seven US states
Ibis Reproductive Health. Patient satisfaction with telemedicine for medication abortion: Survey data from seven US states. April 2021.
In 2008, to expand abortion access, an Iowa Planned Parenthood affiliate implemented a telemedicine for medication abortion (teleMAB) delivery model. Studies found that patients were highly satisfied with teleMAB compared to in-person medication abortion (in-person MAB). Planned Parenthood has since expanded teleMAB to 18 states.
Increasing attention has been paid to patient satisfaction as a component of quality care. In non-abortion settings, studies have identified an association between patient-reported satisfaction and treatment and medication adherence, and health outcomes. Additionally, improvements in aspects of access to care, including accessibility and affordability, have been predictors of satisfaction.
Given the documented importance of satisfaction and dissemination of teleMAB, it is important to ensure that the service remains satisfactory across a range of geographic settings. We aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction with the ongoing teleMAB services in Iowa and to provide a preliminary description of patients’ experiences in other locations.