Norplant prescribing in family practice

This study describes the Norplant prescribing experience, training, and attitudes of South Carolina family practice and general practice (FP/GP) physicians.

A survey was mailed to all FP/GP physicians licensed in South Carolina, with two follow-up mailings to nonrespondents.

Responses were received from 520 physicians, representing 43% of all licensed FP/GP physicians and 73% of all board-certified FP physicians. Norplant had been inserted by 39% of the respondents, and fewer than 10% reported encountering complications during the insertion process. Norplant removal was reported by 135 physicians, averaging 4.4 removals per year. Complications during removal were reported by 52% of physicians, with the most common problem being difficulty finding the capsules. Some degree of training in Norplant insertion was reported by 82% of physicians; 69% reported having had some training, formal or informal, in removal; but only 57% reported having received formal training either during residency or at a workshop. Training reduced insertion time but did not affect removal time or the number of complications encountered. Formal training was more likely to prepare physicians to successfully manage procedural complications.

FP/GP physicians are important providers of Norplant. Improved training is needed to ensure that insertion is performed properly and to disseminate effective removal techniques.