Medical abortion via telemedicine for women and adolescents in Moldova

Abstract

Introduction: Medical abortion (MA) is a safe and efficient pregnancy termination method recommended by the WHO. MA via telemedicine involves the same outpatient procedure but with the remote guidance of a gynecologist via telephone or videoconference. Study goal: Evaluation of the effectiveness and acceptability of MA via telemedicine among women and adolescents in Moldova. Material and methods: Upon confirming their pregnancy, women were counseled by a gynecologist via videoconference or telephone. If eligible, patients accessed the medications at a pharmacy or received them via mail. The follow-up consultation to assess abortion completeness took place a week later. A pregnancy test was taken after four weeks. * Abortion results after one week: 92.5% were considered to have a complete abortion, 5% – incomplete abortion (managed by repeated dose of misoprostol), 2.5% decided to continue their pregnancy. * None of the women required in-person emergency care. Conclusions: MA via telemedicine has been shown to be just as efficient and safe as in-person MA and is associated with a high degree of patient satisfaction.