There are no specific data-sharing protocols regarding the dispensing of medicines for termination of pregnancy. GPs and pharmacists do communicate with respect to prescriptions, where necessary, in line with the professional standards of their roles.
While there has been no engagement with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration regarding telemedicine, it is important to note that a review as to whether remote consultation as part of a blended approach to termination of pregnancy care should be continued post covid found that that remote consultation as part of the termination of pregnancy service is safe, effective and acceptable to both service users and providers. It improves access for many women and addresses geographical and logistical barriers.
The revised blended Model of Care or Termination of Pregnancy Services provides for remote consultation. However, in general, early medical termination of pregnancy will be provided by in-person or a blend of in-person and remote consultation.
Full remote provision of early medical termination of pregnancy will not be routine and will only be provided in extenuating circumstances, using clinical judgement and putting appropriate safeguards in place.
Exactly as is the case for an in-person consultation, medical practitioners undertaking a remote early pregnancy TOP consultation:
• Take a detailed medical history;
• Determine the duration of pregnancy based on the date of the woman’s Last Menstrual Period (LMP);
• Remain alert for any verbal or visual cues which might raise concern about the patients safety.
The safety of termination of pregnancy by telemedicine is endorsed by organisations with significant experience in providing termination of pregnancy care including, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), the National Unplanned Pregnancy Advisory Service and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
