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Patient Knowledge Regarding Emergency Contraception: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Pamphlet Versus Web-Based Education

Charisse Loder, MD, Amy Harrington, MD, Sarah Betstadt, MD, JC Glantz, MD, LL Thornburg, N Whaley, and B Folch

University of Rochester Medical Center

This study aimed to educate participants about EC using Bedsider and comparing this educational tool to a standard pamphlet. Participants were randomized to two educational interventions, with 50 subjects using the ACOG Emergency Contraception patient education pamphlet and 50 subjects using Bedsider on an iPad. Both groups completed pre- and post-intervention surveys of knowledge, experience, and attitudes about EC. In addition, a 3 month follow‐up phone survey was used to assess retention of EC knowledge.

EC knowledge improved with both educational interventions. Bedsider was more effective at increasing knowledge regarding over-the-counter availability of EC. However, after three months, those in the pamphlet intervention group retained more EC knowledge.

An accompanying provider survey was e-mailed to pediatric, internal medicine and obstetrics and gynecology academic practitioners in the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) health system. Obstetrician–gynecologists had higher EC knowledge scores than other providers. The provider survey also allowed providers to evaluate the educational tools used in the study. Many providers found both educational methods useful. However, more providers would recommend the web-based Bedsider intervention.

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