UCSF

Background

Little is known regarding clinicians' attitudes about or the extent to which the recommendation to offer same-day insertions for long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is applied in practice.

Study design

Since 2006, 47 family planning agencies in Colorado and Iowa participated in two initiatives to reduce unintended pregnancy by increasing LARC provision. Clinic directors (n = 45) and clinicians (n = 114) participating in these initiatives were interviewed and surveyed regarding their LARC provision practices and attitudes.

Results

Agencies required fewer visits for the contraceptive implant than for the intrauterine device (IUD). Only 18% of agencies typically offered an IUD, and 36% typically offered an implant in one visit. Years of experience and professional title significantly predicted attitudes about the number of visits required to get LARC.

Discussion

Barriers must be overcome for full implementation of professional LARC guidelines and for more women to receive chosen methods without the extra burden of multiple visits.