Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of first Trimester Medical Abortion With Mifepristone in the Province of Québec: A Qualitative Investigation

OBJECTIVE: Mifepristone became available in Canada in January 2017, but provincial medical policy delayed its use for medical abortion (MA) in Québec for 1 year. The objective of this study was to identify barriers and facilitators experienced by physicians who could potentially provide this newer abortion practice in Québec. METHODS: This study was part of the Canadian Contraception and Abortion Research Team-Mifepristone Implementation Study, an observational, prospective, mixed-methods study. Interviews were conducted with physicians representing all health regions of Québec. Using thematic analysis guided by diffusion of innovation theory, the study identified key barriers and facilitators to implementation. RESULTS: From January 2017 to March 2018, study investigators interviewed 25 family physicians and 12 obstetrician-gynaecologists. Most were women (81%), over 40 years old (65%), with >20 years in practice since residency (49%). Less than half of the sample provided abortion services (41%), and only 8% provided MA with mifepristone. Key barriers to implementation were (1) uncertainty or confusion about policies regarding MA, (2) lack of human resources or support from colleagues, (3) uncertainty about product distribution, (4) confusion about professional collaboration, and (5) lack of local infrastructure. Key facilitators were (1) perception of support and influence from colleagues, (2) previous experience with provision of first trimester MA, (3) requests for first trimester MA by patients or other physicians, and (4) knowledge of research on mifepristone MA. CONCLUSION: Despite Health Canada's approval of mifepristone in Canada and supportive federal policies for provision of MA in primary care, physicians in the Province of Québec face onerous barriers to the practice of mifepristone MA.