Objective To analyze the extent to which task-sharing to midlevel providers has been implemented as a strategy to increase access to abortion provision in Colombia, and examine the factors that have affected decentralization of services. Methods We conducted a case study based on the World Health Organization's 2015 guideline: Health Worker Roles in Providing Safe Abortion Care and Post-abortion Contraception. Documentation was collected on the standard and epidemiological landscape of abortion in Colombia, followed by semistructured discussions with groups and individual stakeholders. Results Task-sharing as a distinct policy to increase access to abortion services has not been implemented in Colombia. However, role distribution toward nonspecialist physicians has been used as a strategy to ensure access. Other professionals, such as nurses, have limited tasks in abortion care despite evidence to support a more expanded role. Conclusion The implementation of task-sharing as a strategy to increase access to safe abortion services in Colombia is influenced by a wide range of factors and, although it is not policy, nonspecialist and diverse healthcare professionals supervise abortion care. Knowing the evidence-based guidelines to safely and successfully include other healthcare professionals in abortion provision is a fundamental step in implementing this strategy.
Tópico:
Reproductive Health and Contraception
Citaciones:
3
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Altmétricas:
0
Información de la Fuente:
FuenteInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics