The CONNECT study

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a rapid move from in-person (face-to-face) consultations for sexual and reproductive health services to remote consultations (by telephone, video, online or text). There are several potential advantages related to remote consultations. However, the limitations associated with remote consultations might reinforce existing inequalities and could lead to poorer outcomes for disadvantaged groups. Little is known about how best to carry out remote consultations to minimise risks and maximise potential benefits in this area. 

This research will answer the following questions:

• How has the introduction of remote consultations impacted on health inequalities in terms of access to sexual and reproductive health services and on clinical outcomes?

• What are the experiences of clinicians and patients of remote service delivery and what can be done to reduce inequality?

• How can remote sexual and reproductive health consultations best be delivered going forward?

This research has three work packages. First, we will examine existing published evidence and guidance on remote consultations in sexual and reproductive health services and impacts on inequalities. Secondly, we will evaluate changes to patient consultations in three case study areas by analysing data from clinic records before and after the increased use of remote consultations.  Patients, clinicians, service managers and commissioners will be interviewed to obtain their views and experiences. The final work package will bring the study findings together, working with key stakeholders to develop recommendations and guidance.

Insights from patients and the public have been integral to the development of our plans and will be integral to the management and delivery of the research we are planning to conduct. In this way, and importantly, the study will improve future patient care by informing service planning and provision.

The study is being run in the following locations:

• Umbrella at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB): Birmingham, and Solihull
• Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL): Barnet, Camden, Haringey and Islington
• Hywel Dda University Health Board: Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

 

For further information or to get involved, contact the Study Research Team on:

• Email: CONNECT-Study@contacts.bham.ac.uk
• Dr Louise Jackson, Chief Investigator l.jackson.1@bham.ac.uk
• Professor Jonathan Ross, Lead Co-Investigator Jonathan.Ross@uhb.nhs.uk