Virtual Abortion Doula Support in the Academic Medical Center Setting [ID 1070]

INTRODUCTION: Doula support during birth is associated with improved clinical outcomes and patient experience. Doulas also provide abortion support, but few programs have been formally evaluated. We developed a novel abortion doula program in our academic clinic. METHODS: We recruited, trained, and paid community members as doulas for medication abortion virtual support via text and phone calls. Doulas were paid a standard fee per shift. Feedback was requested from doulas, patients, and staff. The project received a non-human subject determination from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center IRB. RESULTS: In the initial 6 weeks, 17 patients were offered doula services and nine (53%) accepted. Virtual doulas (5/8; 62%) provided emotional support and talked their patient through comfort measures, and half (4/8; 50%) helped patients plan their care. Some doulas (3/8; 38%) answered nonclinical questions and two out of eight (25%) reported engaging in comforting small talk. All patients responding (3/3) indicated the most positive option when asked “how much did you appreciate the option of connecting to a doula for supporting this care.” For “how did having doula support affect your experience,” all indicated that doula support improved their experience. Staff who responded indicated positive support. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Our program of paid virtual doulas for medical abortion support garnered positive feedback from patients, doulas, and staff. Enrollment is ongoing and updated data will be presented.