Self-reported elevated pain levels: A coping strategy used by women undergoing medical abortion procedures

Freeman, Martine D.; Andrews, Caryn Scheinberg; Dior, Uri; Shimony-Kanat, Sarit; Bar‐Tal, Yoram; Ben‐Meir, Assaf

doi:10.1080/02646838.2022.2125940

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 27 publications

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“…Strategies emerging from women’s reflections may have the capacity to address more than one area for improvement. Addressing the need for emotional support may help to alleviate pain; 13 , 67 for example, clear explication of the range of possible abortion experienced may help prepare patients for specific outcomes in addition to facilitating more informed choices; and story-sharing can help with both preparing for the practicality of abortion and lessening the feeling of emotional isolation in the process.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How can patient experience of abortion care be improved? Evidence from the SACHA study

Lewandowska,

Scott,

Meiksin

et al. 2024

Womens Health (Lond Engl)

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Background: Models of abortion care have changed significantly in the last decade, most markedly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when home management of early medical abortion with telemedical support was approved in Britain. Objective: Our study aimed to examine women’s satisfaction with abortion care and their suggestions for improvements. Design: Qualitative, in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Methods: A purposive sample of 48 women with recent experience of abortion was recruited between July 2021 and August 2022 from independent sector and National Health Service abortion services in Scotland, Wales and England. Interviews were conducted by phone or via video call. Women were asked about their abortion experience and for suggestions for any improvements that could be made along their patient journey – from help-seeking, the initial consultation, referral, treatment, to aftercare. Data were analyzed using the Framework Method. Results: Participants were aged 16–43 years; 39 had had a medical abortion, 8 a surgical abortion, and 1 both. The majority were satisfied with their clinical care. The supportive, kind and non-judgmental attitudes of abortion providers were highly valued, as was the convenience afforded by remotely supported home management of medical abortion. Suggestions for improvement across the patient journey centred around the need for timely care; greater correspondence between expectations and reality; the importance of choice; and the need for greater personal and emotional support. Conclusion: Recent changes in models of care present both opportunities and challenges for quality of care. The perspectives of patients highlight further opportunities for improving care and support. The principles of timely care, choice, management of expectations, and emotional support should inform further service configuration.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%