Researchers conducted this study to determine obstetrics and gynecology trainees’ understanding of the intrauterine device/system (IUD/IUS) insertion.
The present study was a questionnaire-based survey of obstetrics and gynecology trainees in the UK’s West Midlands region.
Forty-five trainees completed a questionnaire on this topic. High scores were obtained in questions relating to the medical and drug interactions of IUD/IUSs. However, trainees’ knowledge of the technicalities of fitting and patient selection was poor. Some 49% of respondents stated that an IUS was effective as emergency contraception, and 47% felt that an IUD/IUS was contraindicated in HIV-positive patients. No significant difference was seen between the number of correct answers given by pre-and-post-MRCOG trainees for any of the questions. The number of insertions per year was unrelated to knowledge levels.
The study concluded that obstetrics and gynecology trainees regularly insert IUD/IUSs. Although their medical knowledge is excellent, many doctors are not aware of best practice advice, particularly regarding the IUS as emergency contraception. Training on contraception and sexual health needs to be incorporated into career obstetrician/gynecologists’ teaching to improve their understanding and practice in this area.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/35/2/97
