At-Home Self-Collected STI Testing Offered During Telemedicine Medication Abortion Care in Hawaii

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of at-home, self-collected STI testing during telemedicine medication abortion care. The study aims to understand how acceptable, feasible, and utilized this self-swab testing is compared to traditional in-clinic STI testing among patients seeking medication abortion. It also seeks to compare STI positivity rates between telemedicine and in-clinic patients and assess the time between testing and treatment for positive cases. The study involves patients receiving telemedicine medication abortion care who will be offered a self-collection kit for testing gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas. Participants will collect specimens before starting their medication abortion and send them to a lab using prepaid postage. They will complete a survey on demographics, acceptability, and feasibility after specimen submission. The self-swab kit is included in the mailed abortion medication package, and results are securely communicated to patients and their medical records. A control group includes patients receiving in-clinic medication abortion, with data collected retrospectively. Participants will engage in telemedicine visits for consent and instruction, self-collect and mail specimens, and complete follow-up surveys. Testing is processed at a central lab, with support provided if specimens are inadequate. Positive results prompt timely treatment referrals. The study monitors utilization, acceptability, feasibility, STI positivity rates, and treatment timelines. The study is expected to last up to one year, with surveys completed within two weeks after specimen collection.

Assessing Acceptability and Feasibiity of STI Self-swab Testing, to be Offered at the Time of Telemed Medication Abortion Provision