Telehealth use for sexual and reproductive health promotion and care during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic: A descriptive-interpretive qualitative study of healthcare providers’ perspectives and experiences in Western—Central New York State
2024

Telehealth for Sexual and Reproductive Health During COVID-19

Sample size: 10 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Muheriwa-Matemba Sadandaula Rose, Alcena-Stiner Danielle C., Glazier Alexander, LeBlanc Natalie M.

Primary Institution: University of Rochester

Hypothesis

What are healthcare providers' perspectives and experiences with telehealth for sexual and reproductive health promotion and care during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Conclusion

Telehealth significantly increased access to sexual and reproductive health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite some challenges.

Supporting Evidence

  • Telehealth increased accessibility to sexual and reproductive health care during the pandemic.
  • Providers reported positive experiences with telehealth despite some technological challenges.
  • Telehealth helped reduce stigma associated with seeking care for HIV and STIs.

Takeaway

Doctors and nurses found that using video calls helped them talk to patients about sexual health during the pandemic, making it easier for people to get care without going to the clinic.

Methodology

Qualitative descriptive-interpretive design with semi-structured in-depth interviews.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-reported experiences and perspectives of healthcare providers.

Limitations

The study only reflects healthcare providers' perspectives and does not include patient viewpoints.

Participant Demographics

Participants were predominantly White, female, with 1–30 years of clinical experience.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pgph.0003259

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