NEW SURVEY SHOWS SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT FOR TELEHEALTH
(Washington, D.C.) — A new national survey released today by Power to Decide shows that a vast majority of respondents (77%) agree that telehealth is a useful method to get birth control when in-person visits with a provider are not possible. Yet, despite overwhelming support for telehealth, critical information gaps remain, specifically, only 36% of individuals reported being able to explain what telehealth is—with only 24% knowing how to find a telehealth provider. The results reflect responses from an online panel survey conducted in May 2020 of 500 women ages 18-29 in the United States.
“People recognize telehealth as a powerful and effective option to access the resources, information and medical care they need without having to overcome barriers associated with being under quarantine during COVID-19,” said Gillian Sealy, CEO, Power to Decide. “Access to telehealth services can be an important resource for women on limited incomes where transportation issues and taking time off from work are often cost prohibited when trying to access health care. In order to make the most of telehealth’s benefits, we must educate everyone regarding its availability and how to access such services.”
The nationally representative survey also showed 67% of respondents agree telehealth is an acceptable way to receive birth control. In addition, 57% of respondents reported they were likely to talk to their health care provider about telehealth options available to them in the next 6 months. However, only 25% understood they could use telehealth even without insurance.
“While telehealth can help bridge the access issues for many, it is not the answer for all, as some do not have the resources necessary to benefit from telehealth, such as reliable internet access,” continued Sealy. “For those individuals, we must continue to expand availability in all forms. Such action will help ensure all women have the power to decide if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child.”
For more details, and information, about the Power to Decide telehealth survey, go here.
About the Survey: Data presented here are drawn from a survey conducted by Ask Your Target Market (AYTM), an online market research firm. Using AYTM’s panel, we surveyed 500 U.S. women between the ages of 18-29 in May 2020.
Power to Decide is a private, non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to ensure all people—no matter who they are, where they live or what their economic status might be—have the power to decide if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child. Please visit us at www.PowerToDecide.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
