Enhancing resident training in abortion and contraception through hospital-community partnership

The study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of a hospital-community rotation in abortion and contraception. Study design The program was developed and implemented by the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baystate Medical Center in November 2000. Abortion and contraceptive training is integrated into postgraduate year 3 and includes didactic presentations and 10 mandatory clinical sessions in first trimester abortion care. Results Five residents complete the program annually. Before rotation, residents report their competence in first-trimester abortion procedure as 2 on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = not at all comfortable, 5 = very comfortable). After rotation, the reported competency rating is 4.5 on the same scale. Residents, trainers, and staff report high satisfaction with the program. Conclusion A collaborative hospital-community rotation in abortion and contraception increases residentsʹ clinical competence in these areas and is highly acceptable to residents, faculty, and staff.