A Pediatric- and Adolescent-Focused Medication Abortion Curriculum for Multidisciplinary Trainees

Post-Roe v. Wade, 22 states now ban or heavily restrict abortion, decreasing safe and timely access for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and limiting the number of abortion providers being trained. Further, no AYA-focused medication abortion (MAB) curriculum exists. To fill this gap, we developed an AYA-focused MAB curriculum for pediatric trainees.

Using Kern's Six Steps, we designed a blended curriculum of online modules (30-40 minutes) and a workshop (120 minutes). Using pre/post surveys, we assessed differences in multiple-choice knowledge questions and Likert scales evaluating values and intentions; open-ended responses were analyzed using directed qualitative content analysis.

Nine workshops were held over the 2023-2024 academic year, with a total of 52 learners completing the curriculum. Pre/post data are available from 29 learners, including 15 pediatric residents, 13 adolescent-focused nurse practitioner students, and one medical student. Learners demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge score after curriculum completion (60% vs. 90%; p < .01). Intentions to provide, refer, and advocate for MAB care did not change significantly (average of three questions on a 5-point Likert scale: 4.3 vs. 4.3; p = .92). Eighty-five percent of learners rated the overall curriculum as excellent or outstanding. Major themes included appreciating the opportunity to explore and anticipate challenging cases and finding case-based learning and role-play helpful.

Our curriculum improved trainees' knowledge of MAB provision for AYAs, instilled confidence, and helped learners anticipate challenging abortion cases. The generalizability of skills learned may vary by local political climate, legal restrictions, and/or institutional support.