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An audit of the management of induced abortion in England and Wales
Author(s) -
Thomas J.,
Paranjothy S.,
Templeton A.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/s0020-7292(03)00305-9
Subject(s) - medicine , audit , abortion , obstetrics , pregnancy , accounting , genetics , business , biology
Objectives: To assess the quality of care provided to women undergoing induced abortion. Methods: The design was a single round audit questionnaire aimed at the providers of abortion services throughout England and Wales (NHS hospitals, clinics under NHS, agency agreements and private units. The levels of care were assessed against agreed audit criteria. Results: Responses were received from 240 (74%) of the 324 units providing abortion care in England and Wales. These units undertook 80% of the 176 000 termination procedures. Generally standards of care were appropriate, but there were clear areas for improvement including choice of method, infection screening, and delays in referral. A number of unnecessary investigations were still evident, including cross‐matching, while lower doses and alternative drug regimens might reduce costs. Only half of the units audited procedures and complications. Conclusions: This audit was carried out prior to the publication of the RCOG evidence‐based guideline and a further round of audit to assess the impact of the guideline should now be considered.