A qualitative analysis of medical students’ attitudes to abortion education in UK medical schools

Abstract

BackgroundDespite abortion being a common part of reproductive healthcare, UK undergraduate medical school abortion education varies widely. We therefore aimed to explore medical students’ views on their undergraduate abortion education, including whether it prepared them to be a competent practitioner.MethodsWe conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 19 students from five UK medical schools, all of whom had received abortion teaching. The qualitative research followed a quantitative survey of UK undergraduate abortion education; the five medical schools were purposively sampled to encompass a wide variety of teaching approaches. Interviews were transcribed and data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach.ResultsDedicated abortion teaching was highlighted as necessary and valuable, as abortion care is so commonly accessed. Participants felt that abortion education should prepare students to be competent practitioners, with inclusion of clinical placements and an emphasis on non-stigmatising care. Most interviewees felt that the perceived sensitive nature of abortion should act as an incentive to comprehensive teaching. It was suggested that teaching should be inclusive for all, including those with a conscientious objection to abortion.ConclusionThe medical students interviewed viewed comprehensive abortion education as an important aspect of their undergraduate curriculum. Conversely to the accompanying quantitative survey of educators, participants believed that the perceived sensitivity of abortion increases the importance of effective teaching that prepares them to provide competent respectful care when they qualify. It is incumbent on medical schools to provide the comprehensive education that students need and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends.

Abortion education in UK medical schools: a survey of medical educators

“…It was unclear how these barriers intersected with those mentioned above; for example, if the perceived sensitivity of abortion meant that educators felt less able to request adequate curriculum time. Notably, educators’ view of sensitivity as a barrier to teaching contrasted with the findings of the qualitative arm of the study, in which students felt that the ‘sensitivity’ of abortion was a reason to cover it thoroughly 15 . Sensitivity should therefore be a motivator, not a barrier, to providing comprehensive abortion teaching, and curriculum leads should be supported to provide this.…”

“…The most frequently reported barriers were a lack of curriculum time and difficulty accessing clinical placements. However, in the qualitative arm of the study, students highlighted adequate teaching time and clinical placements as essential for them to feel adequately prepared for future practice 15 . Therefore, addressing these barriers is critical to ensuring adequate knowledge, skills and confidence among future graduates.…”

“…The results of this study were used to inform the development of the qualitative element of the study, for which 19 medical students from five UK medical schools were interviewed about their abortion teaching15 .…”

Abortion teaching must empower medical students and doctors to advocate for reproductive justice

“…Another recent survey across UK medical schools showed that students are aware of the need for sensitivity around this topic-indeed, students recognise that it is precisely this facet that necessitates it becoming a compulsory part of curriculums. 8 We have free open access medical education resources, such as those by Doctors for Choice UK, 9 as well as a curriculum from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. 10 A "lack of teaching time" is often the immediate response to calls for anything to be taught more comprehensively at medical school, 4 but this cannot be justified for medical provision that one third of women will need.…”

“…Medical schools are underestimating their students, who are ready to have nuanced and respectful conversations about abortion. Another recent survey across UK medical schools showed that students are aware of the need for sensitivity around this topic—indeed, students recognise that it is precisely this facet that necessitates it becoming a compulsory part of curriculums 8…”