Comparison of complication rates in first trimester abortions performed by physician assistants and physicians

The outcomes of 2,458 first trimester abortions performed in a freestanding clinic in Vermont were studied. Procedures were performed by physician assistants and by physicians. Demographic information, medical history, and data relevant to the abortion were recorded. Both immediate and delayed (up t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of public health (1971) 1986-05, Vol.76 (5), p.550-554
Main Authors: Freedman, M A, Jillson, D A, Coffin, R R, Novick, L F
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abortion, Incomplete - epidemiology
Abortion, Incomplete - etiology
Abortion, Induced - adverse effects
Adolescent
Adult
Age Factors
Ambulatory Care Facilities
Biological and medical sciences
Birth control
Educational Status
Epidemiologic Methods
Female
Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics
Humans
Induced abortion. Therapeutic abortion
Infection - epidemiology
Infection - etiology
Marriage
Medical sciences
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Trimester, First
Prospective Studies
Uterine Hemorrhage - epidemiology
Uterine Hemorrhage - etiology
Uterine Perforation - epidemiology
Uterine Perforation - etiology
Vermont
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Summary:The outcomes of 2,458 first trimester abortions performed in a freestanding clinic in Vermont were studied. Procedures were performed by physician assistants and by physicians. Demographic information, medical history, and data relevant to the abortion were recorded. Both immediate and delayed (up to four weeks post-abortion) complications were noted. Direct follow-up four weeks after the procedure by clinic visit, letter, or telephone contact was achieved for 96 per cent all patients. An overall rate of 29.1 complications per 1,000 procedures was observed, with a rate of 27.4 for abortions performed by physician assistants and 30.8 for physicians. The incidence of immediate complications was 6.1 per 1,000 procedures; delayed complication incidence was 23.2 per 1,000 procedures. Overall complication rates varied according to operative procedure used.
ISSN:0090-0036
1541-0048
DOI:10.2105/AJPH.76.5.550