tracked the efficacy and safety of fully remote, asynchronous medication abortion care provided by the virtual clinic Choix to 141 patients between October 2020 and January 2021.
“They use an asynchronous model, so there’s no video communication. It’s a secure messaging platform through which they communicate with patients,” said Upadhyay. “They screen for their medical eligibility based on patient reported medical history. They don’t use an ultrasound, or physical exam. There’s no in-clinic visit, which makes it so unique. And then the medications are mailed to patients via a mail order pharmacy.
Among the 110 patients reporting outcomes, 95 percent had a complete abortion without intervention, 5 percent required medical care to complete the abortion, and no patients reported any major adverse events. The studythat this “efficacy rate is similar to in-person provision, suggesting that abortion provided via telehealth is feasible and safe.”
“This study shows that abortion can be as simple and private and autonomous as having a telehealth consultation with a clinician and having medications mailed directly to you at your home or your friend’s home,” said Upadhyay.