Implementation of an interprofessional health education course on abortion care

Abstract

Background: Content on abortion history and methods is notably absent from many health care education programs in Canada. A team of multi-disciplinary professionals and academics launched a minicourse on abortion at a Canadian university as part of the interprofessional education requirement for health professional students. The minicourse covered the legal history of abortion in Canada, clinical guidelines for medication and aspiration abortion, socio-emotional and therapeutic support, and information on contraception. Results: Students gained knowledge through both didactic instruction and small group discussion, giving attendees an opportunity to understand their role in supporting patients in collaboration with other health professionals. In response to student feedback, facilitators added content about Indigenous and LGBTQ+ health to the course. Conclusion: Students learned the clinical content and history of abortion with their peers through a framework of social determinants of health. The course will continue to adapt to reflect best practices and sociopolitical changes.