Obstetrics and Gynecology and Family Medicine Residents' Training and Knowledge on Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception (EC) has the potential to play a vital role in preventing unintended pregnancies after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. Residency training can influence practice behaviors, however, the extent to which EC-related information is taught in training programs remains unknown. This study examined where residents obtain information about EC and whether knowledge differs by resident program characteristics. Program coordinators of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) and Family Medicine residency programs ( = 689) were emailed and requested to forward the survey link to residents. The survey included measures of EC education (hours, sources, including lectures, grand rounds), and EC-related knowledge. EC knowledge items assessed the three methods of EC (copper intrauterine device, ulipristal acetate, and oral levonorgestrel), effectiveness, mechanism of action, contraindications, and side effects. -Tests and analysis of variances were used to compare mean knowledge scores (maximum = 20; higher scores indicating higher knowledge). Among participants ( = 676), 61% were Family Medicine residents, 66% were white, and 72% were female. Overall, 34% received