BACKGROUND: Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are underused in Australia despite being one of the most effective, reversible methods of contraception. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to report on the outcomes of a competency-based IUD training program by Family Planning NSW for general practitioners (GPs). METHODS: Pre-training and post-training questionnaires were used for a 12-month cohort study of GPs who undertook IUD insertion training. RESULTS: Twenty-two GPs (92%) completed the follow-up questionnaire; 19 participants reported attempting a total of 238 IUD insertions, 212 (89%) of which were successful. Few complications were reported. Most participants cited inadequate remuneration, time constraints and lack of appropriate patients as barriers to performing IUD insertion. Nearly all (96%) were confident with IUD insertion in multiparous women, but only 46% felt confident inserting in nulliparous women. There was evidence of a reduction in referrals to external IUD inserters following training. DISCUSSION: Training enabled GPs to insert IUDs in their practices, but more than two-thirds (68%) fitted fewer than 12 devices during follow-up. A number of barriers to IUD insertion in general practice can be addressed to improve community access.
BACKGROUND: Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are underused in Australia despite being one of the most effective, reversible methods of contraception. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to report on the outcomes of a competency-based IUD training program by Family Planning NSW for general practitioners (GPs). METHODS: Pre-training and post-training questionnaires were used for a 12-month cohort study of GPs who undertook IUD insertion training. RESULTS: Twenty-two GPs (92%) completed the follow-up questionnaire; 19 participants reported attempting a total of 238 IUD insertions, 212 (89%) of which were successful. Few complications were reported. Most participants cited inadequate remuneration, time constraints and lack of appropriate patients as barriers to performing IUD insertion. Nearly all (96%) were confident with IUD insertion in multiparous women, but only 46% felt confident inserting in nulliparous women. There was evidence of a reduction in referrals to external IUD inserters following training. DISCUSSION: Training enabled GPs to insert IUDs in their practices, but more than two-thirds (68%) fitted fewer than 12 devices during follow-up. A number of barriers to IUD insertion in general practice can be addressed to improve community access.
Authors: Rachel S Casas; Christine A Prifti; Alexandra E Bachorik; Heather Stuckey; Mindy Sobota; Cynthia H Chuang; Carol S Weisman Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2021-05-06 Impact factor: 5.128