Routine abortion training matters for obstetrics and gynecology residents

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.


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Lim, S. , Westover, C. , Ratan, R. and Guiahi, M. (2013) Routine abortion training matters for obstetrics and gynecology residents. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 3, 727-731. doi: 10.4236/ojog.2013.310134.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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