Assessing the Contraception and Abortion Content of Nurse Practitioner and Midwifery Programs in Canada: A Survey of Program Directors

Abstract

Objective: This study was done to assess the contraception and abortion content of nurse practitioner (NP) and midwifery programs in Canada. Methods: In June 2014, we mailed out surveys to program directors for each of the 32 accredited NP programs in Canada and seven accredited midwifery programs. The mailing included a copy of the questionnaire, a cover letter explaining the purpose of the study, a pre addressed envelope for return of the survey and a pre addressed response card to determine if the respondent wanted a copy of the results. We analyzed the responses using descriptive statistics and content and thematic analysis Results: We received sixteen NP surveys and two midwifery surveys making the response rate 70% and 40% respectively. More than half of the NP programs reported that they did not offer information about options counseling, first-trimester abortion procedures, and/or post-abortion care in their didactic curriculum. Our study found that if the mifepristone/misoprostol regimen was introduced in Canada 50% of NP programs and 100% of midwifery programs would teach it didactically. Conclusion: Abortion education in Canadian NP and midwifery programs is severely limited. It is important to incorporate comprehensive information on contraception and abortion in both didactic and clinical curricula. Medication abortion receives the lowest rates of inclusion in both NP and midwifery programs, but there is overall support for the inclusion of mifepristone into existing didactic curriculum. In programs that cater to rural and remote communities there is a definite need to incorporate medication abortion training, particularly given the anticipated approval of mifepristone for use in early pregnancy termination.