ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between training in induced abortion during residency and subsequent practice patterns in providing abortion services. STUDY DESIGN: An anonymous survey of all obstetrician-gynecologists with admitting privileges at a tertiary care hospital in New England was conducted. Physicians were asked about their residency training experience in performing abortions, current practices and attitudes toward abortion. RESULTS: Ninety-two of 110 physicians (84%) completed the questionnaire. Six physicians who received training after residency and two with incomplete information were excluded from the analysis. Forty-four respondents received training specifically in first-trimester abortion, and 42 did not. Physicians who received training were more likely to provide abortion services (49% vs. 21%, P = .01), to ask patients about their plans for continuing pregnancy (65% vs. 41%, P = .007) and to support medical assistance funding for abortion (84% vs. 45%, P = .001) than were physicians who did not receive training during residency. Beliefs were significantly associated with current practice, even after controlling for differences in residency training in abortion. CONCLUSION: Differences in practice patterns exist between physicians who receive abortion training and those who do not. Practice patterns are associated with beliefs even after controlling for variations in training.
