AB221. SOH25_AB_315. A quantitative study into general practitioner experience and confidence with contraceptive subdermal implant devices

Background: Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), including subdermal contraceptive implants (SCIs), are pivotal in modern contraceptive practices. This study investigates the experiences and practices of general practitioners (GPs) regarding SCI insertion and removal, aiming to assess their confidence, knowledge of guidelines, identification of complications and appropriate management referral.

Methods: A prospective quantitative survey of subdermal implant experience in a GP cohort study was conducted. A survey using a validated questionnaire was conducted among 100 GPs using Qualtrics software. Data were analysed with SPSS v29.0.

Results: A total of n=74 full responses were collected. Results showed that while a majority (94.6%) have inserted SCIs, confidence levels varied, with 37.3% feeling confident in insertion and removal procedures. Notably, 39.2% were unaware of updated guidelines from January 2020. Statistical analyses revealed significant associations between GPs’ reported experience in SCI procedures and confidence in these skills (P<0.001), as well as awareness of guidelines (P=0.011). GPs with greater experience tended to refer complicated cases to specialist services, contrasting with less experienced peers managing cases independently.

Conclusions: This study underscores the need for enhanced GPs’ training on SCI procedures and guideline updates to optimise service delivery. Given the increasing popularity of SCIs, addressing these gaps is crucial for ensuring safe and effective contraceptive care in primary care settings.

Keywords: Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs); subdermal contraceptive implant complication (SCI complication); subdermal contraceptive implant removal (SCI removal); subdermal contraceptive implant guidelines (SCI guidelines); general practitioner training (GP training)