Follow-up of immediate postpartum intrauterine device insertion: a scoping review protocol

The intrauterine device (IUD) inserted immediately after delivery is a safe and effective measure for preventing unplanned pregnancies. Despite exhibiting a higher expulsion rate compared with later insertions, it proves cost-effective due to the high rate of continuity of the method. There is still a gap in the literature regarding the optimal strategy for monitoring these patients, whether it should be through clinical examination, ultrasound or both. The aim of this review is to map the available evidence regarding the proper clinical and ultrasound follow-up procedures of IUDs inserted immediately post partum.

Using the well-established scoping review methodology outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute, a five-stage review is outlined: (1) determining the research question, (2) search strategy, (3) inclusion criteria, (4) data extraction and (5) analysis and presentation of the results. The search strategy will be applied to nine databases reflecting empirical and grey literature. A two-step screening process will be used to determine eligibility of articles. To be included in the review, articles must describe how postpartum women (adolescents or adults) who had an IUD inserted immediately after birth (vaginal or caesarean) were followed up. All articles will be independently assessed for eligibility, and data from eligible articles will be extracted and charted using a standardised form. Extracted data will be analysed using narrative and descriptive analyses.

Ethics approval is not required. The results will be disseminated to the health science community through professional networks, conference presentations and publication in a scientific journal.