Routine abortion training matters for obstetrics and gynecology residents

Sahnah Lim, Corey Westover, Rini B. Ratan, Maryam Guiahi

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University, New York, USA.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anshutz, Aurora, USA.
John Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/ojog.2013.310134                

Abstract

Background: We set out to compare resident perspective regarding self-rated ability to perform abortion procedures, abortion attitudes and satisfaction with training at programs with routine and optional abortion training. Methods: We distributed surveys and conducted 1-h focus groups for 62 residents at six New York City OB/GYN programs; three offer routine abortion training. We compared resident survey responses at programs with routine versus optional training regarding self-rated ability to perform abortion procedures, abortion attitudes and satisfaction with training. We reviewed focus group transcripts to understand differences related to satisfaction with abortion training. Results: Residents at routine programs reported higher proportions of self-rated ability to perform abortion procedures (all surveyed procedures p ≤ 0.05) and were more likely to fully participate in abortion services than residents at optional programs (42/45 vs. 12/17, p = 0.03). Residents at routine programs were more likely to be “very satisfied” with training (44/45 vs. 12/17, p < 0.001) based on three aspects of training: patient care management, self-rated ability to perform abortion procedures and rotation characteristics. Conclusion: Residents who received routine abortion training have higher rates of self-reported procedural competency and are more likely to be satisfied with training than residents who were offered optional training.

Keywords

Family Planning; Abortion Training; Obstetrics and Gynecology

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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