Provision of Medication Abortions by Advanced Practice Clinicians and Assessment of Abortion Outcomes
Overview
This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of medication abortions (MABs) provided by advanced practice clinicians (APCs) compared to physicians. Findings indicate that APCs achieve effectiveness rates of 92.9% (95% CI, 92.6% to 93.2%) and similar adverse event profiles.
Background
The provision of medication abortions by advanced practice clinicians has become increasingly relevant following regulatory changes by the FDA. With 26 states enforcing physician-only laws, understanding the outcomes of APC-provided MABs is critical for policy and practice. This study addresses the gap in data regarding the effectiveness and safety of MABs administered by APCs.
Data Highlights
Provider Type
Estimated Effectiveness
Adverse Events
APCs
92.9% (95% CI, 92.6% to 93.2%)
0.2% ED visits
Physicians
90.1% (95% CI, 87.1% to 93.0%)
0.1% AEs
Key Findings
APCs provided 58,473 out of 59,150 MABs in the study.
Estimated effectiveness for APCs was 92.9%, while for physicians it was 90.1%.
Adverse events were low and did not differ significantly between APCs and physicians.
Follow-up rates were similar across both clinician types.
Clinical Implications
The findings indicate that APCs can provide medication abortions with effectiveness and safety outcomes comparable to those of physicians.
Conclusion
The study concludes that APCs can provide medication abortions with outcomes comparable to those of physicians.
