ABSTRACT
Introduction: This study explored implant user and healthcare provider experiences of accessing and providing contraceptive implant removal services in Gaborone, Botswana, following introduction of the implant in the public sector in 2016. We sought to understand reasons for satisfaction and dissatisfaction with services and their potential impact on wider perceptions of the implant, including influence on future uptake. Methods: Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews. Participants comprised ten women who had previously undergone implant removal, and ten providers whose work included provision of implant insertion and removal. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: Seven of the ten users in this study had experienced a delay between initial request and undergoing implant removal. This interval ranged from <1 week to 3 months. Users identified the principal barriers to accessing implant removal services as lack of access to trained removal providers, inconvenient appointment times, and provider resistance to performing removal. Nine of the ten providers in this study had experienced barriers to providing implant removal, including insufficient training, lack of equipment, lack of time, and lack of a referral pathway for difficult removals. Despite experiencing barriers in accessing removal, users' perceptions of the implant remained generally positive. Providers were concerned that ongoing negative user experiences of removal services would damage wider perceptions of the implant. Conclusion: Introduction of the contraceptive implant in Botswana has been an important strategy in increasing contraceptive choice. Following an initial focus on provision of insertion services, the development of comparable, accessible removal services is critical to ensuring that the implant remains a desirable contraceptive option and is vital to upholding women's reproductive health rights. The experiences of users and providers in this study can inform the ongoing development of services for implant insertion and removal in Botswana and other lower-resource settings.
Subject(s)
Papillomaviridae/isolation & purification , Papillomavirus Infections/diagnosis , Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Self Care/methods , Self-Examination/methods , Specimen Handling/methods , Vagina/virology , Vaginal Smears/methods , Adult , Botswana , Colposcopy , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , HIV Infections/complications , Humans , Mass Screening/methods , Middle Aged , Papillomavirus Infections/virology , Pilot Projects , Rural PopulationABSTRACT
The use of the subdermal contraceptive implant is increasing globally, and particularly so in lower- and middle-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa. For initiation or discontinuation of the implant, users need to have access to services for insertion and removal by healthcare providers. Providing access to safe and effective contraceptive implant removal services presents both clinical and programmatic challenges. The most challenging implant removal cases, termed -difficult removalsâ, place additional demands upon removal services. In this commentary, we outline challenges for the provision of removal services. Based on our experience in this field, we make recommendations on how healthcare providers and health services can plan for these challenges. Through maximising the provision of comprehensive and accessible implant removal services, including those for difficult removals, implant users can be empowered to discontinue their use of this method of contraception if they choose, thus upholding the principles of rights-based contraceptive care.
Subject(s)
Contraceptive Agents, Female/administration & dosage , Device Removal/standards , Drug Implants , Family Planning Services/organization & administration , Health Services Accessibility , Levonorgestrel/administration & dosage , Reproductive Rights , Device Removal/methods , Female , Humans , Quality ImprovementABSTRACT
The etonogestrel (ENG) subdermal contraceptive implant (Implanon NXT®) is a safe and highly effective method of contraception which is increasing in popularity globally. This case report describes a 26-year-old woman who requested removal of the Implanon NXT® contraceptive implant. She reported that her implant had bent following direct trauma. The implant was removed in accordance with her request and without complication, but was noted to be incompletely fractured. We compare this case with a summary of the existing literature on fractured or damaged contraceptive implants. Structural damage detected whilst the implant is in situ is one potential complication of contraceptive implant use. The incidence of this complication and the implications for contraceptive efficacy are unknown. Damaged implants may present healthcare providers with more technically challenging "difficult removals". With the scale-up of services for implant provision, consideration should be given to this issue in order to inform counselling and removal services.
