Perspectives on high-quality interpersonal care among people obtaining abortions in Argentina

Abstract

Introduction Little is known about how people who have abortions describe high-quality interpersonal care in Argentina. This qualitative study aimed to understand preferences and priorities in their interactions with providers. Study design We conducted 24 in-depth interviews with people who obtained abortions at a comprehensive reproductive health clinic or with support from a feminist accompaniment group in Buenos Aires and Neuquén, Argentina. We iteratively coded transcripts using a thematic analysis approach based on interpersonal domains present in current quality of care frameworks. Results Participants described high-quality abortion care as feeling acompañamiento and contención from their providers – terms that imply receiving kind, caring, compassionate and emotionally supportive care throughout their abortion. They described four key elements of interpersonal interactions: attentive communication from providers and accompaniers, clear and understandable information provision, non-judgmental support, and individualized options for pain management. Conclusions People obtaining abortions in Argentina consistently identified receiving compassionate and supportive care throughout an abortion as a key aspect of care. The findings have implications for incorporating people’s perspectives in the development of care guidelines, training of providers, and monitoring and improving of services. This is particularly important as the government of Argentina prepares to expand legal access to abortion.

Effectiveness of medication abortion with misoprostol alone in the SAFE study: a prospective observational cohort study

“…Knowing what to expect from a misoprostol alone abortion process may help to manage user expectations, calm concerns, and lead to decreased unnecessary health care seeking and overall better perceptions of quality. [24][25][26] Reductions in unnecessary healthcare seeking is particularly important in contexts where healthcare seeking after an abortion places individuals at legal risk.…”

Medication Abortion Safety and Effectiveness With Misoprostol Alone

“…These findings may provide needed evidence that can be used to update patient information forms and counseling protocols to ensure that all individuals using misoprostol alone for abortion, regardless of setting, have accurate information about what to expect. Knowing what to expect from a misoprostol-alone abortion process may help to address user expectations, calm concerns, and lead to decreased unnecessary health care seeking and overall better perceptions of quality . Reducing unnecessary health care seeking is particularly important in contexts where health care seeking after an abortion places individuals at legal risk.…”

“I was afraid they will be judging me and even deny me the service”: Experiences of denial and dissuasion during abortion care in Ethiopia

“…Denial of care erodes trusting relationships with health systems and providers. Previous work has showed that trustworthy providers were a fundamental aspect of client-reported high-quality abortion care ( 25 , 46 , 47 ). Further, disrespect and abuse during maternal child care is rampant in patient-provider interactions ( 48 – 51 ), and abusive care, or obstetric violence, is now seen as a human-rights violation and a symptom of structural violence ( 48 , 52 , 53 ).…”