Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
E-Patient Counseling Trial (E-PACO): Computer Based Education versus Nurse Counseling for Patients to Prepare for Colonoscopy
Published on: August 1, 2019
Barriers and facilitators to telemedicine contraception among patients that speak Spanish: a qualitative study
Marielle E Meurice1, Gennifer Kully1, Sarah Averbach1
1Division of Complex Family Planning, Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA (Meurice, Kully, Averbach and Mody).
Background:
Telemedicine contraception services have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. There may be unique equity implications and language barriers for patients who speak Spanish.
Objective:
To identify the barriers and facilitators of telemedicine for contraception care among patients who speak Spanish using a community-based participatory research approach.
Study Design:
The study was designed and conducted in consultation with a community advisory board. We interviewed 20 patients after telemedicine and in-person contraception visits conducted in Spanish at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest in Southern California between April 2022 and May 2023. Telemedicine visits were conducted by audio only. Two coders analyzed the data using thematic analysis.
Results:
The average age of the participants was 32.5 years old (range 19-45). Most participants had some college education (13/20, 65.0%) and public insurance (18/20, 90.0%). Most chose a short-acting contraceptive method (11/20, 55.0%). Five key themes were identified. (1) Participants reported less comfort with video technology and a preference to not be seen during the appointment, therefore preferring audio-only for telemedicine visits. (2) Participants did not report difficulty with Spanish interpreters using telemedicine. (3) Telemedicine has conveniences related to time, work, childcare, and transportation but may have inconveniences related to method receipt. (4) Preference for physical exam and preventative care and familiarity with the in-clinic model motivated people who sought in-person care rather than technology barriers with telemedicine. (5) There is trust in the privacy and confidentiality of the visits, but privacy at home for the individual may impact choice for in-person care.
Conclusion:
Among patients who speak Spanish, telemedicine contraception care was acceptable and had many conveniences. Many patients who speak Spanish preferred audio-only for telemedicine contraception visits. Use of interpreters and technology were not perceived barriers to care.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Barriers to Effective Communication I
Communication barriers include the following:
Physiological barriers: They are limitations caused by a person's health condition or disability, such as hearing loss, poor eyesight, illness, or unconsciousness. An example to overcome this...
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
01:26Types of Reports III: Telephone and Verbal Reports
Here's an overview of each type:
Telephone Orders
01:25Physiological Barriers
The blood endothelial barrier is the most porous of these. It allows all small ionized, un-ionized, and lipophilic molecules to pass through the endothelial lining into the interstitial space...
01:22Birth Control Methods
01:23Factors Affecting Drug Distribution: Physiological Barriers
The capillary endothelial barrier allows only smaller molecules below 600 Da (Daltons) to pass through. It also restricts drugs like heparin that are bound to blood components, limiting their movement within the bloodstream.
The...