A Problem-Based Learning Session on Pregnancy Options, Counseling, and Abortion Care.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Women's Health
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Medical students often have limited exposure to women's health issues, including abortion, before clinical rotations.
• Effective counseling on pregnancy options is a crucial skill for healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot a problem-based learning (PBL) module for second-year medical students.
• To assess the module's impact on students' knowledge and confidence in counseling about pregnancy options, specifically abortion.

Main Methods:

• A two-session PBL module was implemented with second-year medical students.
• Students engaged in case-based discussions and individual research on a Zika virus-related pregnancy termination scenario.
• Pre- and post-PBL surveys were administered to students, and facilitators completed an evaluation survey.

Main Results:

• Student self-reported "informed" status regarding abortion increased from 30% to 58% (p < .001).
• Mean quiz scores improved from 29% to 40% (p < .001).
• While 93% of facilitators felt the module equipped students to counsel on abortion, only 56% felt adequately trained themselves.

Conclusions:

• The PBL module effectively enhanced medical students' understanding and confidence in discussing abortion.
• Students valued the opportunity to clarify values and discuss pregnancy options counseling.
• Barriers to applying learned knowledge in practice were identified by students, and faculty training needs were highlighted.