How clinicians develop confidence in their competence in performing aspiration abortion

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Reproductive Health
• Social Science of Medicine

Background:

• Physicians traditionally perform aspiration abortions.
• Non-physician clinicians are increasingly involved in abortion care.
• Training is essential for expanding access to abortion procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurse midwives developed confidence in performing vacuum aspiration abortion.
• To understand the multifaceted nature of clinical confidence and competence.
• To inform healthcare training and education strategies.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews with 30 clinicians in California who participated in an abortion training study.
• Focus on clinicians' perspectives regarding skill development and confidence acquisition.
• Analysis of the subjective experience of gaining expertise in aspiration abortion.

Main Results:

• Clinicians reported developing confidence through hands-on training and experience.
• Confidence was linked to mastering the technical skills of aspiration abortion.
• The training process contributed to a sense of professional growth and competence.

Conclusions:

• Clinical confidence is not a single entity but develops through diverse pathways.
• Understanding clinicians' perspectives on competence can enhance medical training.
• Supporting non-physician clinicians in abortion care is vital for reproductive healthcare access.