Intrauterine Device Insertion Practices Among Obstetrician-Gynecologists in Rhode Island.

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) protocols regarding single-visit intrauterine device (IUD) insertion in Rhode Island.

STUDY DESIGN AND

METHODS

We conducted an online cross-sectional study of OB/GYNs in Rhode Island regarding IUD insertion protocols. The primary outcome was the proportion of respondents who provided single-visit IUDs.

RESULTS

The response rate was 70% (80/114). Forty- two percent (42%) (95% CI, 30.3-55.2) of OB/GYNs reported they would provide an IUD with one clinical visit for counseling and insertion. However, only 22% (95% CI, 12.5-34.0%) reported that patients in their practice typically have a single visit for IUD placement. More OB/GYNs would add an IUD to an annual visit if they were presented with a Black patient vignette compared to a White patient vignette (58% vs 24%, p = 0.01). Barriers to single-visit IUD insertion included scheduling constraints and insurance and billing concerns.

CONCLUSION

In Rhode Island, access to OB/GYNs willing to provide IUDs in a single visit as part of usual practice is low.