[Evaluating post-abortion care in 13 Colombian hospitals]

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

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

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.

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.

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.