We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Experiences with and unmet needs for medication abortion support: A qualitative study with US abortion support providers.
- Authors
Seymour, Jane W.; Ruggiero, Samantha; Ranker, Lynsie; Thompson, Terri‐Ann
- Abstract
Introduction: Quality abortion care must be person‐centered. Although academic literature has focused on full‐spectrum and abortion doulas supporting instrumentation abortion (also referred to as procedural abortion) clients, clients undergoing medication abortion remain understudied and may have unique needs. We aimed to understand United States (US) abortion support providers' perceptions of medication abortion clients' support needs by exploring which needs they address, which needs remain unmet, and how remote support provision might help address client needs. Methodology: Between April and October 2018, we conducted 60‐ to 90‐min semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews by telephone with medication abortion support providers. The interviews focused on their experiences providing support to medication abortion clients in the US. We used a deductive thematic analysis approach. Results: We interviewed 16 abortion support providers affiliated with nine US‐based organizations. Six participants provided in‐person support to medication abortion clients, five provided remote support, and five provided both remote and in‐person support. Both in‐person and remote providers described offering support that addressed clients' informational, emotional, physical, spiritual, and logistical needs. Through participant narratives, we identified interwoven benefits and challenges to remote support care provision. Participants highlighted that most medication abortion clients did not have a support provider. Discussion: Participants revealed that abortion support providers, including remote support providers, can be a critical component of high‐quality abortion care provision. More work is needed to ensure all abortion clients have access to support services as the abortion landscape in the US continues to evolve.
- Subjects
UNITED States; ABORTION laws; ABORTION in the United States; HEALTH services accessibility; MEDICAL quality control; OCCUPATIONAL roles; QUALITATIVE research; INTERVIEWING; PATIENT-centered care; THEMATIC analysis; TELEMEDICINE; ATTITUDES of medical personnel; RESEARCH methodology; NEEDS assessment; SOCIAL support
- Publication
Perspectives on Sexual & Reproductive Health, 2024, Vol 56, Issue 2, p116
- ISSN
1538-6341
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/psrh.12263