Family Planning Abortion Skills School [ID 1363]

INTRODUCTION: Abortion is essential health care. To improve factual knowledge and procedural comfort, we developed a Family Planning Abortion Skills School composed of three presentations and a workshop focused on counseling, equipment, and techniques. METHODS: Medication Abortion was presented in week 1, Procedural Abortion in week 2, and the workshop in week 3. The workshop consisted of two stations: manual vacuum aspiration simulated by papayas, and dilation and evacuation via watermelons containing fetal models (boiled eggs, Nerf darts, and tubing). A questionnaire evaluating knowledge, comfort, and eliciting goals/suggestions was administered prior to each presentation and at conclusion. RESULTS: Eighteen learners completed the pre-questionnaire, and 17, the post. There was a similar distribution of medical students and first- through fourth-year residents among the participants. Most learners previously performed procedural abortions, although they correctly identified abortion types only after school completion (11%, 88%). There was improvement in knowledge and comfort, with 100% learners finding the school helpful; none thought it was unhelpful. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The Family Planning Abortion Skills School is a valuable learning opportunity to improve factual knowledge and comfort level. The school can be enhanced by simulating preprocedural counseling encompassing intra- and postoperative options within a third case review station. A fourth station of cervical dilation methods and fetal models may increase equipment and technique familiarity. The models can be refined with more effaced cervices (anesthesia neck pillows) and firmer fetal limbs (peppermint sticks). Pairing participants during station rotation will encourage all learner participation. We plan to continue providing this school annually.