[Evaluating post-abortion care in 13 Colombian hospitals].
OBJECTIVE
This work describes Post-abortion Care strategy (PAC) experience in 13 Colombian hospitals regarding three components (counselling, suitable treatment and family planning).


METHODS
The study had quantitative (cross-sectional study) and qualitative components.


METHODS
Colombian hospitals receiving PAC training between 1999 and 2002 and fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sequential convenience sampling was used; 127 patients, 13 managers and 39 health-care providers were interviewed.


RESULTS
26,199 women were treated for incomplete abortion during the study period. 40 % were treated using Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) and 60 % using sharp curettage (SC). Family planning counselling was provided for 99,8 % of MVA cases; however, only 57,3 % of SC cases received it. There were 9 uterine perforations using SC and none in MVA cases (Chi square: 2.16; p=0.14). There were 2 vagal reactions using MVA. Uterine evacuation was needed in 13 SC cases but in only one MVA case (Chi square: 6,25 p=0.01). Patient satisfaction levels with hospital treatment were evaluated: 90 % of those receiving MVA treatment reported being satisfied or very satisfied, compared to just 60 % of those treated with SC. All health-care providers and 12 out of 13 managers reported satisfaction with the PAC strategy and with 12 out of 13 managers as well.


CONCLUSIONS
MVA treatment was associated with less treatment-related morbidity and higher levels of satisfaction amongst patients. Most managers and all health-care providers stated their satisfaction with the PAC strategy.
Gómez-Sánchez
Pío I
PI
Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia. pigomezs@unal.edu.co
Escandón
Inés
I
Gaitán-Duarte
Hernando
H
D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000328:Adult; D003105:Colombia; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000592:standards*; D011247:Pregnancy