Impact of the hands-on clinical training program for subdermic implant on contraceptive counseling and users' choice in Spain: A 6-month follow-up study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of a structured subdermic implant training program on healthcare providers and its effect on the integration of this contraceptive method into patient counselling. STUDY DESIGN: The study was a longitudinal experiment with an intervention group, assessing changes at three points: before the training, immediately after, and six months later. The training consisted of a four-hour session combining theory and practical application, conducted by experts in contraception. RESULTS: Out of the participants, 376 healthcare professionals (a 34.3% response rate) completed the training and subsequent questionnaires. Post-training, there was an increase in the inclusion of the implant in contraceptive advice and a rise in the monthly number of implants. Knowledge about the implant, including insertion, positioning, removal, and replacement, significantly improved after six months (p<0.05), particularly among general practitioners. CONCLUSIONS: The training program successfully enhanced knowledge and handling of the contraceptive implant, leading to its increased recommendation by healthcare providers and selection by patients. Theoretical and practical training in contraception should be compulsory for healthcare providers involved in contraceptive counselling. IMPLICATIONS: A training program that includes lectures, video material, and hands-on demonstrations is effective for developing skills in administering the subdermic implant and its integration into contraceptive counselling. Such training should be regular and required for all healthcare professionals providing contraceptive advice.

Use of Contraceptive Methods Among Women in the General Population and Female Gynecologists in Spain: the ELEGIAN Survey.

Background: The contraceptive preferences of obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) are thought to influence the contraceptive counseling they provide. The purpose of this study was to assess contraceptive preferences of OB/GYNs and women in the general population (WGP) in the current Spanish contraceptive scenario. Materials and Methods: Anonymous online survey of 100 OB/GYNs and 1,217 WGP aged 23-49 years. Results: WGP were younger (35.3 ± 7.3 vs. 37.9 ± 6.2 years, respectively) and less likely to have stable partners (64.7% vs. 84.0%) and children (49.1% vs. 62.0%) (all p < 0.05 vs. OB/GYNs). Seventy-nine percent versus 82%, respectively, used contraceptive methods, with condoms used most frequently by WGP (37% vs. 22% by OB/GYNs; p < 0.05) and pills by OB/GYNs (26% vs. 21% by WGP; p > 0.05). Intrauterine devices (IUDs) were more frequently used by OB/GYNs (20% vs. 5%; p < 0.05), especially the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices (LNG-IUDs) (18% vs. 2.6%; p < 0.05). The highest-rated methods were condoms among WGP and LNG-IUDs among OB/GYNs. Effectiveness was the most valued attribute of contraceptive methods for both. Reasons related to convenience were the main reason for choosing IUDs. OB/GYNs prescribed the contraceptive method in 40% of cases. Conclusions: Our study reveals differences between female OB/GYNs and WGP in contraceptive methods use and rating. The use of LNG-IUDs was much higher among OB/GYNs.

Economic Burden of Contraception Management in Spain.

BACKGROUND: A wide variety of contraceptive methods are available, some of them reimbursed by the Spanish National Health System (SNHS). However, the number of unintended pregnancies (UP) is still significant, leading to a high economic burden, mainly derived from non-adherence to and the incorrect use of contraceptive methods. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to estimate the economic burden associated with reversible contraception management in Spain, from the perspectives of both the SNHS and women, over a 5-year period. METHODS: A survey was performed to identify contraception management in Spain based on the experience of a panel of six expert gynecologists. An economic model was conducted to quantify the current burden of contraception according to healthcare resources use over 5 years. The costs included in the analysis were diagnostic tests, initial and follow-up consultations, methods acquisition costs, and UP derived from therapy failure. RESULTS: Reversible contraception costs in Spain amount to €12.5 billion over a 5-year period. Condoms and combined oral contraceptives (COC) account for 86.8% of the total cost and the other methods only 13.2%. There are differences in contraceptive use according to women's age. Short-acting reversible contraceptives (SARC) such as COC, condom and vaginal ring, are most commonly used by younger women. However, SARC are correlated with the highest failure rate, resulting in over €7.2 billion cost, explained by the high number of UP. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC), such as the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS20), implant and copper intrauterine devices (IUD), are selected by women over 35 years of age due to user-independent compliance. SARC methods result in a higher cost per woman over 5 years: vaginal ring €2427.8, patch €2402.6, condom €2060.1 and COC €1895.1; while LARC methods are the most economic option per women: LNG-IUS20 €630.4, copper IUD €658.2, LNG-IUS12 €703.8, intramuscular injectable €907.8 and implant €940.5. CONCLUSIONS: LARC methods result in lower costs compared with SARC options from the perspectives of the SNHS and women, explained by user-independent compliance, preventing a significant number of UP and its elevated economic burden. An increased LARC methods use could avoid UP events, leading to significant cost-savings for the SNHS.