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CONNECT study

This research project aims to understand the impact of remote consultations in sexual and reproductive health services on health inequalities, and to co-develop recommendations for the provision of inclusive and patient led consultations. The study involves a mixed methods analysis using three case study areas (Birmingham, London and South West Wales).

Funded by National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), Health and Social Care Delivery Research (HS&DR) NIHR153151.

Introduction

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. 

Meet the team

Dr Louise Jackson - Chief Investigator

Professor Jonathan Ross - Lead Co-Investigator

Dr Charlotte Owen - Research Fellow

Professor Iestyn Williams - Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham

Nuria Marquez - Research Fellow

Anna Tostevin - Data Manager

Jo Josh - Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Lead

Dr Melvina Woode Owusu - Inclusion Lead

Mrs Sarah Moorlock - Project Manager

Dr Danielle Solomon - University College London (UCL)

Dr Jo Gibbs - University College London (UCL)

Professor Fiona Burns - University College London (UCL)

Professor Andrew Copas (University College London (UCL)

Dr Helen Munro - Hywel Dda University Health Board

Dr John Saunders - University College London (UCL)

Dr Tom Witney - University College London (UCL)

Aims of the project

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?

Overview of study

This research has three work packages. First, we examined existing published evidence and guidance on remote consultations in sexual and reproductive health services and impacts on inequalities. We are currently evaluating 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 have been interviewed to obtain their views and experiences. The final work package (a Delphi Exercise) is now being designed which will bring the study findings together, working with lay people and key stakeholders to develop recommendations and guidance.

Please check back on this website soon for further details on how you can get involved as a member of the public or Clinician/policy maker.

Insights from patients and the public have been integral to the development of our plans and will continue to be integral to the management and delivery of work package 3. In this way, and importantly, the study will improve future patient care by informing service planning and provision.

Study location

The study is being run in the following locations:

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

Contact

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