Abortion providers,stigma and professional quality of life

ObjectivesThe Providers Share Workshop (PSW) provides abortion providers safe space to discuss their work experiences. Our objectives were to assess changes in abortion stigma over time and explore how stigma is related to aspects of professional quality of life, including compassion satisfaction, burnout and compassion fatigue for providers participating in the workshops.Study DesignSeventy-nine providers were recruited to the PSW study. Surveys were completed prior to, immediately following and 1 year after the workshops. The outcome measures were the Abortion Provider Stigma Survey and the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) survey. Baseline ProQOL scores were compared to published averages using t tests. Changes in abortion stigma and aspects of professional quality of life were assessed by fitting a two-level random-effects model with repeated measures at level 1 (period-level) and static measures (e.g., demographic data) at level 2 (person-level). Potential covariates included age, parenting status, education, organizational tenure, job type and clinic type (stand-alone vs. hospital-based clinics).ResultsCompared to other healthcare workers, abortion providers reported higher compassion satisfaction (t= 2.65, p=.009) and lower burnout (t= 5.13, p<.0001). Repeated-measures analysis revealed statistically significant decreases in stigma over time. Regression analysis identified abortion stigma as a significant predictor of lower compassion satisfaction, higher burnout and higher compassion fatigue.ConclusionsParticipants in PSW reported a reduction in abortion stigma over time. Further, stigma is an important predictor of compassion satisfaction, burnout and compassion fatigue, suggesting that interventions aimed at supporting the abortion providing workforce should likely assess abortion stigma.ImplicationsStigma is an important predictor of compassion satisfaction, burnout and compassion fatigue among abortion care providers. Therefore, strengthening human resources for abortion care requires stigma reduction efforts. Participants in the PSWs show reductions in stigma over time.     

Administration of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant on the day of mifepristone for medical abortion: a pilot study

Objective

We sought to determine satisfaction and continuation rates of the contraceptive implant when placed on the initial visit for first-trimester medical abortion.

Study Design

In this pilot study, we placed the implant within 15 min of mifepristone administration. We assessed satisfaction with implant placement timing, 1-year implant continuation and abortion completion.

Results

We enrolled 20 participants. Sixteen (80%) returned for follow-up, and all had complete abortion. At 1 year, of 16 participants contacted, 14 (87.5%) were satisfied with implant insertion timing, and 14 (87.5%) continued the implant.

Conclusions

Initiation of the contraceptive implant on the initial visit for medical abortion resulted in high satisfaction and continuation rates.

Implications

This pilot study provides important groundwork for future larger studies to assess initiation of the contraceptive implant on the day of mifepristone for medical abortion.     

Pathways to unsafe abortion in Ghana: the role of male partners,women and health care providers

Background

Despite abortion being legal, complications from induced abortion are the second leading cause of maternal mortality in Ghana. The objective of this study was to understand the decision-making process associated with induced abortion in Ghana.

Study Design

Data were collected from female postabortion patients, male partners, family planning nurses and obstetricians/gynecologists at two teaching hospitals in Ghana using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.

Results

While experiences differ for married and single women, men are involved in abortion decision making directly, through “orders” to abort, or indirectly, through denying responsibility for the pregnancy. Health care providers can be barriers to seeking safe abortions in this setting.

Conclusions

Women who choose to terminate a pregnancy without their male partners' knowledge should have the means (both financial and social) to do so safely. Interventions with health care providers should discourage judgemental attitudes and emphasize individually focused patient care.     

Evaluation of Abortion Stigma in the Workforce: Development of the Revised Abortion Providers Stigma Scale

Objectives

We report on the development of a scale measuring abortion providers’ experiences of stigma.

Intramuscular ketorolac versus oral ibuprofen for pain relief in first-trimester surgical abortion: a randomized clinical trial

Objective

Oral nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDs) have been shown to reduce pain with first-trimester surgical abortion compared to placebo, but it is unclear if one NSAID is better than another. Some providers administer intramuscular ketorolac, though data regarding its efficacy in abortion are limited. This study was designed to compare oral ibuprofen to intramuscular ketorolac for pain management during first-trimester surgical abortion.

Study Design

This was a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Women undergoing first-trimester surgical abortion with local anesthesia were randomized to preprocedural oral ibuprofen, 800 mg given 60–90 min preprocedure, or intramuscular ketorolac, 60 mg given 30–60 min preprocedure. The primary outcome was pain with uterine aspiration on a 21-point, 0–100, numerical rating scale. Secondary outcomes included pain with cervical dilation, postoperative pain and patient satisfaction.

Results

Ninety-four women were enrolled; 47 were randomized to ibuprofen and 47 to ketorolac. The groups did not differ with regards to demographics, reproductive history or Depression Anxiety Stress Scale scores. Mean pain scores for suction curettage did not differ between groups (52.3 vs. 56.2, p=.53). There was also no difference in pain with cervical dilation (41.6 vs. 45.4, p=0.48) or postoperative pain (22.3 vs. 15.0 p=.076), though patients in the ketorolac group experienced significantly greater arm pain than those who received a placebo injection (30.4 vs. 15.6, p<.001). Satisfaction with pain control did not differ significantly by group.

Conclusions

Intramuscular ketorolac does not offer superior pain control compared to oral ibuprofen for first-trimester surgical abortion.

Implications

Intramuscular ketorolac does not offer superior pain control over oral ibuprofen during first-trimester surgical abortion, is more expensive and causes patients significant arm discomfort. Its use should therefore be reserved for patients who cannot tolerate oral NSAIDs.     

Patient viewing of the ultrasound image prior to abortion

Background

Little research has investigated women’s interest in and factors associated with viewing their ultrasound image in abortion care.

Study Design

Using medical records for all abortion care visits in 2011 (n=15,575) at an urban abortion provider, we determined the proportion of women who chose to view by sociodemographic and pregnancy-related characteristics. We used bivariate and multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression models to examine associations between individual-level factors and the decision to view.

Results

A total of 42.6% of women chose to view. Identifying as nonwhite, being under age 25, being at or below the federal poverty level, and having medium or low decision certainty about the abortion were associated with increased odds of viewing. Being age 30 and over, having previously been pregnant and being more than 9 weeks gestation were associated with decreased odds of viewing.

Conclusions

Many women seeking abortion care want to view their ultrasound image when offered the opportunity.     

Mobile phone messages to provide support to women during the home phase of medical abortion in South Africa: a randomised controlled trial

Objectives

Home use of misoprostol for medical abortion is more convenient for many women than in-clinic use but requires management of abortion symptoms at home without provider backup. This study evaluated whether automated text messages to women undergoing medical abortion can reduce anxiety and emotional discomfort, and whether the messages can better prepare women for symptoms they experience.

Study design

A multisite randomized controlled trial was conducted in which women undergoing early medical abortion were allocated to receive standard of care (SOC) only (n=235) or SOC+a messaging intervention (n=234). Consenting women were interviewed at the clinic after taking mifepristone and again at their follow-up clinic visit 2–3 weeks later; the intervention group received text messages over the duration of this period. Emotional outcomes were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Adler's 12-item emotional scale and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised. Preparedness for the abortion symptoms and overall satisfaction with the procedure were assessed using 4-point Likert-type scales.

Results

Between baseline and follow-up, anxiety decreased more (p=0.013), and less emotional stress was experienced (adjusted for baseline anxiety, p=0.015), in the intervention compared to the SOC group. Participants in the intervention group were also more likely to report that they felt very well prepared for the bleeding (p<0.001), pain (p=0.042) and side effects (p=0.027) they experienced. Acceptability and other negative emotions relating to the abortion did not differ between study groups. Ninety-nine percent of the intervention group stated that they would recommend the messages to a friend having the same procedure.

Conclusions

Text messages to women following mifepristone administration for early medical abortion may assist them in managing symptoms and appear highly acceptable to recipients.

Implication Statement

This randomized controlled trial provides evidence for the effectiveness of text messages following mifepristone administration in strengthening medical abortion care. The messages were associated with significant reductions in women's anxiety and stress during the abortion process; they improved preparedness for the abortion symptoms experienced and appeared highly acceptable.     

Acceptability and clinical outcomes of first- and second-trimester surgical abortion by suction aspiration in Colombia

Objective(s)

Since partial decriminalization of abortion in Colombia, Oriéntame has provided legal abortion services through 15 weeks gestation in an outpatient primary care setting. We sought to document the safety and acceptability of the second trimester compared to the first-trimester surgical abortion in this setting.

Study Design

This was a prospective cohort study using a consecutive sample of 100 women undergoing surgical first-trimester abortion (11 weeks 6 days gestational age or less) and 200 women undergoing second-trimester abortion (12 weeks 0 days–15 weeks 0 days) over a 5-month period in 2012. After obtaining informed consent, a trained interviewer collected demographic and clinical information from direct observation and the patient's clinical chart. The interviewer asked questions after the procedure regarding satisfaction with the procedure, physical pain and emotional discomfort. Fifteen days later, the interviewer assessed satisfaction with the procedure and any delayed complications.

Results

There were no major complications and seven minor complications. Average measured blood loss was 37.87 mL in the first trimester and 109 mL in the second trimester (p<.001). Following the procedure, more second-trimester patients reported being very satisfied (81% vs. 94%, p=.006). Satisfaction was similar between groups at follow-up. There were no differences in reported emotional discomfort after the procedure or at follow-up, with the majority reporting no emotional discomfort. The majority of women (99%) stated that they would recommend the clinic to a friend or family member.

Conclusions

Second-trimester surgical abortion in an outpatient primary care setting in Colombia can be provided safely, and satisfaction with these services is high.

Implications

This is one of the first studies from Latin America, a region with a high proportion of maternal mortality due to unsafe abortion, which documents the safety and acceptability of surgical abortion in an outpatient primary care setting. Findings could support increased access to safe abortion services, particularly in the second trimester.     

Abbreviated Mindfulness Intervention for Job Satisfaction,Quality of Life,and Compassion in Primary Care Clinicians: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE

Burnout, attrition, and low work satisfaction of primary care physicians are growing concerns and can have a negative influence on health care. Interventions for clinicians that improve work-life balance are few and poorly understood. We undertook this study as a first step in investigating whether an abbreviated mindfulness intervention could increase job satisfaction, quality of life, and compassion among primary care clinicians.

METHODS

A total of 30 primary care clinicians participated in an abbreviated mindfulness course. We used a single-sample, pre-post design. At 4 points in time (baseline, and 1 day, 8 weeks, and 9 months postintervention), participants completed a set of online measures assessing burnout, anxiety, stress, resilience, and compassion. We used a linear mixed-effects model analysis to assess changes in outcome measures.

RESULTS

Participants had improvements compared with baseline at all 3 follow-up time points. At 9 months postintervention, they had significantly better scores (1) on all Maslach Burnout Inventory burnout subscales—Emotional Exhaustion (P =.009), Depersonalization (P = .005), and Personal Accomplishment (P <.001); (2) on the Depression (P =.001), Anxiety (P =.006), and Stress (P = .002) subscales of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21; and (3) for perceived stress (P = .002) assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale. There were no significant changes on the 14-item Resilience Scale and the Santa Clara Brief Compassion Scale.

CONCLUSIONS

In this uncontrolled pilot study, participating in an abbreviated mindfulness training course adapted for primary care clinicians was associated with reductions in indicators of job burnout, depression, anxiety, and stress. Modified mindfulness training may be a time-efficient tool to help support clinician health and well-being, which may have implications for patient care.     

A review of evidence for safe abortion care

Background

The provision of safe abortion services to women who need them has the potential to drastically reduce or eliminate maternal deaths due to unsafe abortion. The World Health Organization recently updated its evidence-based guidance for safe and effective clinical practices using data from systematic reviews of the literature.

Materials and Methods

Systematic reviews pertaining to the evidence for safe abortion services, from pre-abortion care, medical and surgical methods of abortion and post-abortion care were evaluated for relevant outcomes, primarily those relating to safety, effectiveness and women's preference.

Results

Sixteen systematic reviews were identified and evaluated. The available evidence does not support the use of pre-abortion ultrasound to increase safety. Routine use of cervical preparation with osmotic dilators, mifepristone or misoprostol after 14 weeks gestation reduces complications; at early gestational ages, surgical abortions have very few complications. Prophylactic antibiotics result in lower rates of post-surgical abortion infection. Pain medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories should be offered to women undergoing abortion procedures; acetaminophen, however, is not effective in reducing pain. Women who are eligible should be offered a choice between surgical (vacuum aspiration or dilation and evacuation) and medical methods (mifepristone and misoprostol) of abortion when possible. Modern methods of contraception can be safely initiated immediately following abortion procedures.

Conclusions

Evidence-based guidelines assist health care providers and policymakers to utilize the best data available to provide safe abortion care and prevent the millions of deaths and disabilities that result from unsafe abortion.     

An exploration of perceived contraceptive coercion at the time of abortion

Objective

To explore patient experiences of contraceptive coercion by healthcare providers at time of abortion.

The first contacts between healthcare providers and newly-arrived asylum seekers: a qualitative study about which issues need to be addressed

Objectives

Asylum seekers have been recognized as having unique and complex health needs which require attention upon arrival in the host country. Not much is known about what issues to address in first contacts with asylum seekers. The purpose of this study is to give insight in the specific issues that healthcare providers need to address in the first contacts with newly arrived asylum seekers.

Study design

A qualitative study using different types of data in 2007 and 2008.

Methods

Questionnaires (n = 89) were used as input for seven group interviews with Dutch care providers (n = 46) working with asylum seekers in the Netherlands, were qualitatively analysed, using a framework method.

Results

Healthcare providers identified four issues they aimed to address in first contacts with asylum seekers: (1) assessing the current health condition; (2) health risk assessment; (3) providing information about the healthcare system of the host country; and (4) health education.

Conclusion

The first contacts between healthcare providers and asylum seekers serve different goals, especially assessing health problems and risks, and providing health information. These issues may, however, be addressed differently by different healthcare providers, across different host countries, dependent on the way healthcare and medical insurance for asylum seekers are organized.     

Telling stories about abortion: abortion-related plots in American film and television, 1916–2013

Objectives

Popular discourse on abortion in film and television assumes that abortions are under- and misrepresented. Research indicates that such representations influence public perception of abortion care and may play a role in the production of social myths around abortion, with consequences for women’s experience of abortion. To date, abortion plotlines in American film and television have not been systematically tracked and analyzed.

Study design

A comprehensive online search was conducted to identify all representations of pregnancy decision making and abortion in American film and television through January 2013. Search results were coded for year, pregnancy decision and mortality outcome.

Results

A total of 310 plotlines were identified, with an overall upward trend over time in the number of representations of abortion decision making. Of these plotlines, 173 (55.8%) resulted in abortion, 80 (25.8%) in parenting, 13 (4.2%) in adoption and 21 (6.7%) in pregnancy loss, and 16 (5.1%) were unresolved. A total of 13.5% (n= 42) of stories ended with the death of the woman who considered an abortion, whether or not she obtained one.

Conclusions

Abortion-related plotlines occur more frequently than popular discourse assumes. Year-to-year variation in frequency suggests an interactive relationship between media representations, cultural attitudes and policies around abortion regulation, consistent with cultural theory of the relationship between media products and social beliefs. Patterns of outcomes and rates of mortality are not representative of real experience and may contribute to social myths around abortion. The narrative linking of pregnancy termination with mortality is of particular note, supporting the social myth associating abortion with death.

Implications

This analysis empirically describes the number of abortion-related plotlines in American film and television. It contributes to the systematic evaluation of the portrayal of abortion in popular culture and provides abortion care professionals and advocates with an initial accurate window into cultural stories being told about abortion.     

Estimating abortion provision and abortion referrals among United States obstetrician-gynecologists in private practice

Objective

The objective was to examine the provision of abortion by obstetrician-gynecologists in private practice in the United States (U.S.) and their willingness to provide referrals for abortion services.

Feasibility and acceptability of a computer-based tool to improve contraceptive counseling

Objective

The objective was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a computerized tool, Smart Choices, designed to enhance the quality of contraceptive counseling in family planning clinics. The tool includes (a) a questionnaire completed by patients and summarized in a printout for providers and (b) a birth control guide patients explore to learn about various contraceptive methods.

Study design

In 2 family planning clinics, we conducted interviews with 125 women who used the Smart Choices computerized tool and 7 providers.

Results

Smart Choices integrated into clinic flow well in one clinic, but less well in the other, which had very short waiting times. Patients were generally enthusiastic about Smart Choices, including its helpfulness in preparing them and their providers for the counseling session and increasing their knowledge of contraceptive methods. Providers varied in how much they used the printout and in their opinions about its usefulness. Some felt its usefulness was limited because it overlapped with the clinic’s intake forms or because it did not match with their concept of counseling needs. Others felt it provided valuable information not collected by intake forms and more honest information. Some found Smart Choices to be most helpful with patients who were unsure what method they wanted.

Conclusions

Smart Choices is feasible to implement and well received by patients, but modifications are needed to increase provider enthusiasm for this tool.

Implications

The Smart Choices tool requires refinement before widespread dissemination.     

The safety,efficacy and acceptability of task sharing tubal sterilization to midlevel providers: a systematic review

Background

Task sharing is an important strategy for increasing access to modern, effective contraception for women and reducing unmet need for family planning.

Objective

The objective was to identify evidence for the safety, efficacy or acceptability of task sharing tubal sterilization to midlevel providers.

Search strategy

We searched PubMed, Cochrane and Popline for articles in all languages using the following key words: task sharing, tubal sterilization, midlevel providers, task shifting.

Selection criteria

All studies reporting on any measure of safety, efficacy or acceptability of tubal sterilization performed by any cadre of midlevel providers.

Data collection and analysis

Data were independently abstracted by two authors and graded using the United States Preventive Services Task Force rating for evidence quality. Heterogeneity of outcome measures precluded a meta-analysis.

Main results

Nine studies of fair to poor quality reported on safety and acceptability outcomes. Generalizability of findings is limited by inadequate sample size and lack of statistical comparisons. No study reported on long-term efficacy outcomes.

Conclusions

Well-designed clinical trials, of adequate sample size, are urgently needed to establish the safety, efficacy and acceptability of task sharing tubal sterilization to midlevel providers.     

RU OK? The acceptability and feasibility of remote technologies for follow-up after early medical abortion

Objectives

We tested the effectiveness and feasibility of remote communication technologies to increase follow-up after early medical abortion.

Study design

Women (n= 999) were randomized to ‘remote’ follow-up incorporating a low-sensitivity pregnancy test and standardized symptom questionnaire administered online, by text message or telephone by a non-clinical call center operator 2 weeks after treatment, or to ‘clinic-based’ follow-up with ultrasound at 1 week. Women in the clinic-based group who could not return performed a high-sensitivity pregnancy test at 3 weeks and had a telephone call with clinic staff. The primary outcome was completion of follow-up. Rates of complications, acceptability and preferences were compared.

Results

The overall follow-up rate did not differ by group {clinic-based, 73% vs. remote, 69%; risk ratio (RR) 1.0 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.9–1.2]}. In the clinic-based group, 83% did not return for an ultrasound scan and were followed up by phone. In the remote group, follow-up by phone or text was more successful than online (text: 75.4%; phone: 73.7%; online: 46.5%, p<.001). The proportion of women receiving additional care was 9% in the clinic-based group and was 4% in the remote group [RR 1.8 (95% CI 1.1–3.1)]. Most women found their follow-up method acceptable but would prefer follow-up by phone or text message if needed in future.

Conclusions

Follow-up after medical abortion using remote communication is feasible and, for most women, preferable to a clinic visit.

Implications

Medical abortion protocols typically use follow-up visits to ensure early identification of complications. This study demonstrates that follow-up can be achieved using remote communication technologies. This model may reduce the burden of multiple clinic visits on patients and providers.     

Psychological distress and post-abortion contraceptive method effectiveness level chosen at an urban clinic

Objective

We investigated whether more psychological distress before an abortion is associated with the effectiveness of contraception selected (low, moderate, or high effectiveness) at an abortion clinic visit.

Method

Using data from 253 women attending an urban abortion clinic that primarily serves low-income women, we tested the association between pre-abortion psychological distress and the effectiveness level of post-abortion contraceptive choice. Based on typical use failure rates, we classified effectiveness of contraceptive choice into three levels—low, moderate, and high effectiveness. We measured psychological distress with four validated measures of depressive, anxious, and stress symptoms, and negative affect, as well as with a global measure comprising these four measures. We used multivariable ordinal logistic regression to measure the association of each psychological distress measure with post-abortion contraceptive method effectiveness level, adjusting for sociodemographic factors, pregnancy history, trimester of abortion, and importance of avoiding pregnancy in the next year.

Results

We found that compared to women experiencing less stress symptoms, negative affect and global psychological distress, women experiencing more stress symptoms [AOR=1.028, 95% CI: 1.001–1.050], negative affect [AOR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.09] and global psychological distress [AOR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.09–1.95] were more likely to choose more effective versus less effective methods, p<.05, in adjusted models. Using dichotomous psychological measures we found similar results.

Conclusions

Women experiencing more psychological distress before an abortion selected more effective contraceptive methods after their abortion. Future research should examine whether this distress is associated with subsequent contraceptive use or continuation.

Implications

The current study suggests that contraceptive providers should not assume that women experiencing more psychological distress prefer to use less effective contraceptive methods.     

Beliefs about abortion risks in women returning to the clinic after their abortions: a pilot study

Background

Misinformation regarding the risks of abortion is prevalent and commonly includes medical inaccuracies about health, depression, infertility and breast cancer. This pilot study sought to assess misinformation among abortion clients as well as the origin(s) of their abortion knowledge.

Study Design

Women who presented to the Mount Sinai School of Medicine Family Planning Division for postabortion follow-up were recruited for participation. Participants completed a researcher-administered survey regarding knowledge and beliefs about abortion.

Results

Sixty-seven women completed the survey between 1/11/10 and 8/6/12. Common sources of abortion information included clinicians (79.1%), Web sites (70.1%), friends (50.7%) and family (40.3%). Over two thirds of women (77.6%) overestimated the health risks, and close to half (43.3%) overestimated the risk of depression after a first trimester abortion.

Conclusions

Misperceptions about the health risks of abortion were prevalent among this sample. Education tools should be developed to provide accurate information about the risks of abortion.