Telehealth for sexual and reproductive health issues: A qualitative study of experiences of accessing care during COVID-19

Abstract

Background: Medicare, the health insurance system underpinning free healthcare in Australia, introduced free telehealth items in 2020 in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Their uptake among healthcare providers was significant, including among general practitioners and sexual health services. Here, we report people's experiences of accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH)-related care via telehealth collected as part of a survey exploring the impact of COVID on SRH health. Methods: This study utilises qualitative data from two online surveys conducted in 2020. Surveys were advertised through social media and professional and personal networks. Anyone aged ≥1..