Independent Health Facilities Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards Obstetrics & Gynaecology: Induced Abortion COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS OF The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario Vision Statement
The best quality care for the people of Ontario by the doctors of Ontario.
Mission Statement
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario merits the trust and respect of the public and the profession by:
1. Maintaining a rigorous and efficient regulatory process, 2. Focusing on the ongoing improvement of quality, 3. Being open and accountable, 4. Communicating clearly and effectively, 5. Promoting excellence in health care, 6. Working with others to achieve our vision.
We demand of ourselves the same exacting standards that we expect of the profession. The vision of Council will be implemented by:
1. Advocating for quality health care in partnership with other
2. Integrating the roles of clinical education, evidence-based clinical
practice and regulatory responsibilities to improve patient care at the individual and system level,
3. Evaluating and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the
current investigative and disciplinary processes and identifying potential alternatives,
4. Accelerating efforts to find creative ways to address physician resource
needs without compromising registration standards,
5. Providing publicly accessible regulatory information about physicians
6. Engaging stakeholders in a public debate about the limits of medicine
and focusing on what patients can expect from their physicians,
7. Establishing a comprehensive and effective communication plan to
improve recognition of the CPSO by its stakeholders,
8. Establishing an effective and transparent governance model for the
Independent Health Facilities Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards Obstetrics & Gynaecology: Induced Abortion COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS OF First Edition, April 1992 Second Edition, May 1993. Reviewed and Revised again in February 1997.
Members of the Obstetrics/Gynaecology Task Force:
A special subcomittee of the Task Force was constituted for the purpose of developing additional clinical practice parameters and facility standards for facilities performing Dilatation and Evacuation procedures. These members include:
Third Edition, April 2006
Members of the Obstetrics/Gynaecology Task Force:
Published and distributed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. For more information, contact:
Daniel J. Klass MD, FRCP (C) Associate Registrar Director, Quality Management The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario 80 College Street Toronto, Ontario M5G 2E2 Toll free (800) 268-7096 (416) 967-2600 ext. 403 email: [email protected] Contents Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards
Purpose of Clinical Practice Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vRole of the College of Physicians and Surgeons . . . . . . . . . viResponsibilities of the College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viiUpdating this Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Facility Standards Staffing a Facility
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Quality Advisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Providing Surgical and Medical Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Qualifications of Physicians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Physician Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Training Physicians in Ultrasound Procedures . . . . . . . . . 3Training Staff in Emergency Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Providing Nursing Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Providing Counselling Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Services Provided by Paramedical and Paraprofessional Staff 4
Policies and Procedures
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Developing Policies and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Facilities, Equipment and Supplies
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Providing a Safe Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Physical Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Providing a Sanitary Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Using Sterile Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Observing Body Fluid Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Disposing of Products of Conception and Biomedical Waste . 8Available Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Intra-operative and Post-operative Equipment and Therapeutic Agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Monitoring Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Resuscitation Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Other Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Documenting Health Care
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Documenting Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Documenting the Visit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Maintaining Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Compiling Statistical Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Monitoring Quality of Care
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Monitoring Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Indicators which are Monitored . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Complications which are Monitored . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Documenting Long Term Outcomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Evaluating Satisfaction of Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Clinical Practice Parameters Diagnosing a Pregnancy
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Confirming the Diagnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Determining Gestational Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19When the Gestational Age is Questionable . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Preparing the Medical History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Conducting the Physical Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Recording the Diagnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Providing Support and Education to the Woman . . . . . . . . .20Pre-termination Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Other Screening Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Performing Pelvic Ultrasound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Ultrasound Performed by a Physician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Ultrasound Performed by a Technologist . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Protocols for Care
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Written Protocols of Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Women who are at Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Termination Protocols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Documenting the Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Following-up with the Woman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Tissue Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Fetal Tissue from Dilatation and Evacuation . . . . . . . . . .24
Providing Emergency Services
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Providing Emergency Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Providing Diagnostic Services
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27Providing Diagnostic Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Independent Health Facilities Act - Ontario
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Regulation 346/04 Amended O. Reg. 57/92
Quality Advisor and Advisory Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Records of Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Patient Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Books and Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Parameters for the Use of Local Anaesthesia with Sedation by Non-anaesthesia Physicians
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Analgesia and Anxiolysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Sedation and Analgesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Physician Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Patient Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Drug Administration/Patient Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Drugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Emergency Routines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Bibliography
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
The Independent Health Facilities Act (IHFA), proclaimed in April 1990, and amended in 1996 and 1998, gives the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario the primary responsibility for carrying out quality assessments in Independent Health Facilities. These out-of-hospital facilities may provide some of the following insured services:
• in diagnostic facilities: radiology, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging,
computed tomography, nuclear medicine, pulmonary function, and sleep studies
• in treatment or surgical facilities: one or more of a variety of procedures in
peripheral vascular disease, plastic surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, dermatology, nephrology, ophthalmology, and their related anaesthetic services and perhaps other specialties.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario has a legislative mandate under the Act to perform quality assessment and inspection functions. This responsibility, and others set out by agreement with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, contribute to the College achieving its goals as stated in the College’s Mission Statement. An important goal of the College is to promote activities which will improve the level of quality of care by the majority of physicians. The Independent Health Facilities program helps reach this goal by developing and implementing explicit clinical practice parameters and facility standards for the delivery of medical services in Ontario, assessing the quality of care provided to patients, and as a result, promotes continuous quality improvement. Purpose of Clinical Practice Parameters
The Independent Health Facilities clinical practice parameters and facility standards are designed to assist physicians in their clinical decision-making by providing a framework for assessing and treating clinical conditions commonly cared for by a variety of specialities. The primary purpose of this document is to assist physicians in developing their own quality management program and act as a guide for assessing the quality of patient care provided in the facilities. Note: The parameters and standards are not intended to either replace a physician's clinical judgement or to
establish a protocol for all patients with a particular condition. It is understood that some patients will not fit the clinical conditions contemplated by certain parameters and that a particular parameter will rarely be the only appropriate approach to a patient's condition.
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
In developing these clinical practice parameters, the objective is to create a range of appropriate options for given clinical situations, based on the available research data and the best professional consensus. The product, therefore, should not be thought of as being “cast in stone”, but rather subject to individual, clinically significant patient differences.
When a facility is licensed by the Ministry of Health it will receive the appropriate parameters and standards. To further the role of facilitator, the College will work with and assist physicians in developing their own quality management/improvement programs. The first assessor education seminar was held in January, 1992 at which time many of the physicians who had indicated their interest in becoming inspectors/assessors were more fully informed of the assessment process. Additional seminars will be scheduled in the future as required. Role of the College of Physicians and Surgeons
At the beginning of this process, the College adopted the role of a facilitator for the development of clinical practice parameters and facility standards. Representatives of national specialty societies and sections of the Ontario Medical Association, and individuals with acknowledged skill, experience and expertise formed specialty-specific Task Forces.
The Task Force members’ initial work, distributed in March 1991, was sent to the following organizations for their review and comments:
• all relevant specialty physicians in Ontario, national specialty societies and
specialty sections of the Ontario Medical Association
• Ontario Chapter of the College of Family Physicians of Canada • Canadian Medical Association • American Medical Association • Canadian Council on Health Facilities Accreditation (now the Canadian
Council on Health Services Accreditation)
• College of Nurses of Ontario
The Task Forces adhered to the following principles:
• clinical practice parameters must be based on the appropriate mix of current,
scientifically-reliable information from research literature, clinical experience and professional consensus. • any parameter-setting exercise must be done exclusively from the quality
perspective. That may well mean that some of the conclusions reached could add to medical care costs.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
• parameters have to be flexible enough to allow for a range of appropriate
options and need to take into account the variations in practice realities from urban to rural areas. • parameters need to be developed by consensus and consultation with the • parameters should provide support and assistance to physicians without
boxing them in with “cookbook formulas.”
• parameters will need to be regularly updated based on appropriate research • parameters should reduce uncertainty for physicians and improve their • information on practice parameters must be widely distributed to ensure that
all physicians benefit from this knowledge. Responsibilities of the College • assessing the quality of care when requested by the Ministry. The College
will maintain a roster of physicians, nurses, technologists and others to serve as inspectors and assessors as required. • inspecting the illegal charging of facility fees by unlicensed facilities when • monitoring service results in facilities. The College’s information system
will monitor individual and facility outcome performance. This is a unique feature of the legislation, which for the first time in North America, requires facility operators to establish and maintain a system to ensure the monitoring of the results of the service or services provided in a facility. • providing education and assisting facilities so that they may continually
improve the services they provide to patients. The College will work with and assist physicians in these facilities so that they can develop their own quality management programs based on the parameters and standards, monitor facility performance by conducting quality assessments, work with facilities to continually improve patient services, assist in resolving issues and conducting reassessments as necessary. Updating this Document
These parameters and standards are subject to periodic review, and amendments in the form of replacement pages may be issued from time to time. Such pages will be mailed automatically to all relevant independent health facilities. It is planned to issue new editions of the parameters and
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
standards at intervals not greater than five years. The external review process will be repeated to validate the new parameters as they are developed.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Independent Health Facilities: Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards:Induced Abortion Facility Standards
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Chapter 1 Staffing a Facility Overview
Professional medical and nursing services are provided by appropriately qualified and licensed health professionals.
Quality Advisor
As outlined in the IHF Regulations “Every licensee shall appoint a Quality Advisor to advise the licensee with respect to the quality and standards of services provided in the independent health facility”. • be physically present at the independent health facility on a regular basis, at
least once every month, and be available for consultation at any time when services are provided with documentation kept of all visits. • seek advice from other health professionals where necessary to ensure that
all aspects of the services provided through the independent health facility are provided in accordance with generally accepted professional standards. • consult with the quality advisory committee at least semi-annually if the
independent health facility has more than six full-time staff equivalents including the quality advisor, otherwise at least annually, and to document the substance of the discussion, actions agreed upon and the completion date for any actions agreed upon.
The Quality Advisor shall advise the facility licensee and document this advice concerning the following:
• qualifications, selection and ongoing education of the professional and
nursing staff working in the independent health facility. • performance of any professional or technical staff who do not have
sufficient qualifications for the procedures being performed but who are being permitted to practise because of special circumstances. • whether adequate and appropriate staffing, equipment and procedures are
available to ensure patient and staff safety in the independent health facility. • testing being performed on a periodic basis to ensure the accuracy and
reliability of the independent health facility’s equipment. • proper design of consultation requests, performance protocols,
documentation and reports used at the independent health facility. • facility’s policies regarding the maintenance of all appropriate clinical
records, including their maintenance for the required length of time.
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
• development and maintenance of a quality assurance program for the
Every licensee shall have a written agreement with the Quality Advisor requiring and authorizing the Quality Advisor to fulfill these requirements as set out above. Providing Surgical and Medical Services
Surgical services are provided in a safe environment and are performed by qualified physicians.
Surgical services performed in an independent health facility are aspiration and dilatation and evacuation procedures performed under local anaesthesia with or without sedation by qualified physicians.
Early medical abortion (in the first trimester) may be provided in an independent health facility. Note: Instillation procedures for pregnancy termination are not currently appropriate for independent health
Termination of pregnancy is performed only by an appropriately trained physician who is licensed in the Province of Ontario. The physician may be deemed as appropraitely trained:
• after attending a training program designated by the College of Physicians • was performing abortions in an independent health facility prior to June
2,1988; and was grandfathered under the IHF Act prior to licensure
• if he/she has satisfactorily demonstrated to the Quality Advisor of a licensed
facility his or her ability to perform an abortion. • if he/she is licensed and has privileges to perform such procedures at an
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Dilatation and evacuation procedures at 13 weeks gestation and beyond are performed by physicians appropriately trained in performing dilatation and evacuation procedures and managing their complications, in a facility that is equipped with ultrasound readily available to the operating area.
Local anaesthesia and sedation are used under the direct supervision of a responsible physician. The surgeon will have a trained assistant in the room for monitoring and assistance with drug administration.
A physician is responsible for the care of the woman from the time of surgery until discharge
Discharge criteria from a physician exist to determine the woman’s readiness for discharge
A licensed physician qualified in resuscitation is present or immediately available until all women have been discharged. Training Physicians in Ultrasound Procedures
Educational training in ultrasound procedures for the purpose of assessing gestational age consists of a one month training program to demonstrate proficiency in a facility or its equivalent providing abortion care. During the training period, the physician has the opportunity to correlate ultrasonographic findings with:
• pre-operative assessment (bi-manual examination) • intra-operative monitoring (e.g. D & E procedures) • post-operative monitoring (e.g. findings of the examinations of products of
It is recommended that to demonstrate proficiency a minimum of 100 such cases in total be scanned. Training Staff in Emergency Procedures
The staff of the facility is prepared to deal with emergencies.
A protocol exists for non-medical emergencies such as fire.
All new staff are oriented to the facility, emergency equipment and emergency protocols.
Staff trained in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation are present in the facility during the hours of operation.
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
Nursing acts are performed only by nurses who have current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
Counselling services may be provided by trained professionals or by appropriately trained para-professionals. Services Provided by Paramedical and Paraprofessional Staff
Paramedical and paraprofessional staff provide non-professional services.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Chapter 2 Policies and Procedures Overview
There are current written policies and procedures to provide staff with clear direction on the scope and limitation of their functions and responsibilities for patient care. Developing Policies and Procedures
The procedure manual is available for consultation by all personnel within the facility. The manual is reviewed annually, revised as necessary and dated to indicate the time of the last review or revision.
There is documentation to indicate who makes the policies, sets the standards, and who supervises physicians, nurses and other staff.
Procedures in the manual include, but are not limited to, the following:
• instructions on the routine preparation of patients • consents • delegated acts • scope and limitation of diagnostic services • patient booking systems • infection control Note: Each Independent Health Facility should obtain a copy of “College of Physicians and Surgeons of
Ontario Infection Control in the Physician’s Office 2004 Edition:”. This document is available on the College’s Website www.cpso.on.ca under Publications. • latex anaphylaxis • maintenance of patient records (see Appendix 1, IHFA- Ontario Reg, 57/92 • confidentiality • safety precautions with regards to electrical, mechanical, fire and internal • Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) sheets for all chemicals maintained in • written job descriptions for each category of employee
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Chapter 3 Facilities, Equipment and Supplies Overview
The facility provides a functionally safe environment.
The facility complies with provincial building codes and fire regulations, and occupational health and safety governing workplace hazards. Providing a Safe Environment
An emergency power source is available to provide light to areas where direct care is provided in the event of power failure.
The facility contains fire-fighting equipment to control a limited fire.
Safety checks of all electrical equipment are carried out on installation and at regular intervals.
The facility is designed to permit emergency transfer from the operative area to another facility if necessary.
Surgical services are performed in a safe environment where:
• the space is adequately lit and ventilated • if D & E procedures are offered there is additional recovery space provided
to accommodate a longer recovery period. • an emergency power source is available to provide light to areas where
direct care is provided in the event of a power failure and to complete a surgical procedure
• universal body fluid precautions are observed • appropriate sterile technique is practised. • cardiac life support in the form of equipment and staff trained in basic
cardiopulmonary resuscitation are available. • arrangements exist for emergency transfer to hospital. Providing a Sanitary Environment
The faciilty provides care in a sanitary environment.
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
The facility is clean and properly maintained.
Toilet facilities are available for staff, visitors and women being seen or undergoing the procedure.
Operating areas, and areas where the woman’s assessment is carried out have facilities for hand washing.
Food service is in compliance with public health department requirements. Using Sterile Techniques
Operative procedures and invasive procedures are carried out using sterile technique. Observing Body Fluid Precautions
All personnel in the facility observe universal body fluid precautions in accordance with current CDC recommendations for Prevention of HIV Transmission in Health Care Settings. Disposing of Products of Conception and Biomedical Waste
All products of conception and biomedical waste are disposed of in accordance with the current Guidelines for the Handling and Disposal of Biomedical Wastes from Health Care Facilities and Laboratories, Ontario Ministry of Environment or, in the case of stillborns, in accordance with the Vital Statistics Act, Government of Ontario. Available Equipment
Equipment, supplies and technology permitting adequate assessment of the woman are available and includes:
• diagnostic tests for pregnancy use • diagnostic pelvic ultrasound • gynaecologic examining accessories and instruments • diagnostic tests for haemoglobin, Rh factor and STD screening
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
• consideration should be given to screening women at risk for hepatitis and • basic medical equipment such as stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers. Intra-operative and Post-operative Equipment and Therapeutic Agents
Equipment, supplies and therapeutic agents facilitating the safe intra-operative and post-operative care of the woman are immediately available.
Intra-operative real time ultrasound is available for all D & E procedures.
Functional and electrically safe vacuum aspiration equipment, as well as conventional instruments for dilatation and curettage and D & E procedures, are available in sufficient quantity so that individually sterilized conventional and suction instruments and new tubing are available for each procedure. Note: The tubing between the patient and the collection bottle is replaced with new tubing for each procedure.
Suction equipment is designed to prevent reverse pump action, and the suction bottle is large enough to contain all fluids to minimize chance of backflow into the tubing.
Sedatives, narcotics, local anaesthetics, as well as reversal drugs and resuscitative drugs are immediately available.
Other inhalational agents are restricted to nitrous oxide. Monitoring Equipment
Monitoring equipment is available for women receiving sedation and includes:
• pulse monitor • sphygmomanometer • oximeter
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
Resuscitation equipment includes, but is not limited to:
• stethoscope • sphygmomanometer • oral airway • laerdal bag or equivalent • oropharyngeal suction or dedicated equivalent • IV equipment • large bore intravenous catheter such as a 16 gauge • syringes, needles, tape • drugs: - epinephrine 1 : 1000 (1 ml ampoule) - diazepam, 10 mg ampoule - diphenhydramine hydrochloride, 50 mg ampoule - 50% dextrose/water, 50 ml ampoule.
Adequate supplies of intravenous fluids, drugs, syringes, needles, intravenous equipment, sterile gloves and sterile sponges are available.
Osmotic cervical dilators are available.
Appropriate instruments necessary for dilatation and evacuation procedures are available if midtrimester abortions are performed.
Equipment to facilitate tissue evaluation is available.
Equipment is available for instrument sterilization.
Anti D Immune Globulin is available for administration to all Rh negative women.
A stretcher is available for emergency situations.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Chapter 4 Documenting Health Care Overview
Health records facilitate the prompt retrieval of information. A system for processing, maintaining, storing, retrieving, distributing health records is established as described in IHF Regulation (See Appendix 1 - Independent Health Facilities Act- Ontario Regulation 346/04- Amended to O.Reg. 57/92). • legible • completed in a timely manner • organized in a systematic manner Documenting Information
The health record facilitates the continuing care of the woman. Each record contains appropriate information to identify the woman including her:
• date of birth • address • phone number
Each record contains documentation of all aspects of a woman's visit, for example:
• counselling • history • examination • tests, including ultrasound • intervention • follow-up arrangements
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
• nature of interaction, for example: - counselling - physical exam - operative procedure - drug administration • signature or initials of responsible practitioner including their professional
The history, physical exam and pre-operative assessment including determination of gestational age are present on the health record prior to the performance of the procedure. This documentation will have occurred within two weeks prior to the procedure.
An informed consent is obtained and documented prior to the procedure.
The woman’s status prior to and following the surgery is documented.
The procedure is documented and dated with the time and dosage of all drugs used and the signature of the responsible physician.
Products of conception obtained are examined at the conclusion of the procedure and there is documentation that products of conception were obtained. • the release of information • the retention of active health records • the retirement of inactive health records
Health records are maintained in a confidential and secure manner.
Health record keeping facilitates quality assurance programs.
The facility compiles annual statistical information including, but not limited to the number of abortions:
• performed
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
• performed at each gestational period - less than or equal to 12 weeks - 13 to 16 weeks - 17 to 20 weeks - greater than 20 weeks
The facility maintains a record of known complications.
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Chapter 5 Monitoring Quality of Care Overview
There is an ongoing quality management program designed to objectively and systematically monitor and evaluate the quality and appropriateness of care, to improve care, and to resolve identified problems.
Monitoring Care
There is a planned and systematic ongoing process for monitoring, evaluating and improving the quality, appropriateness and outcome of care provided to women and includes:
• defining who is responsible for monitoring and evaluating activities • establishing who is responsible for monitoring indicators and clinical • determining frequency of monitoring • implementing an action plan to improve care or correct identified problems.
The monitoring process is designed to identify patterns or trends in care, as well as single clinical events that warrant evaluation.
Indicators that are monitored include, but are not limited to:
• number of women seen and counselled • number of procedures performed • number of procedures at each gestation: - calculated by LMP - and by best clinical estimate • number of procedures at each gestational age • number of known follow up outcomes (short and long term)
Complications that are monitored include, but are not limited to:
• failed abortion with continuing pregnancy or requiring second procedure • incomplete abortion
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
• perforation • haemorrhage >500cc • infection requiring IV antibiotics • pulmonary embolus • laparotomy • any complication resulting in hospitalization • death. Documenting Long Term Outcomes
Any long term outcomes that are known should be documented so that trends may be noted. Evaluating Satisfaction of Care
The woman’s satisfaction of care is evaluated.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Independent Health Facilities: Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards: Induced Abortion Clinical Practice Parameters
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Chapter 6 Diagnosing a Pregnancy Overview
A diagnosis of pregnancy is confirmed in each woman offered services. Gestational age is determined accurately prior to offering a procedure. An adequate history and physical examination are conducted to determine any co-existing medical conditions or other factors which might affect the procedure or outcome. Confirming the Diagnosis
Diagnosis of pregnancy is confirmed by one of the following:
• urine pregnancy test • serum BHCG • pelvic ultrasound Determining Gestational Age
Gestational age is determined by one of the following:
• diagnostic pelvic ultrasound is preferred • bimanual pelvic examination is acceptable if consistent with dates. When the Gestational Age is Questionable
When gestational age is in question, or intrauterine pregnancy is uncertain, diagnostic pelvic ultrasound is performed. Note: Pelvic ultrasound may be used in first trimester procedures (equal to or less than 12 weeks). Pelvic
ultrasound should be used in second trimester procedures (equal to or greater than 13 weeks). Preparing the Medical History
The medical history includes, but is not necessarily limited to:
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
• gynaecological history • history of significant medical conditions • family history • history of allergies • documentation of current medications • functional enquiry.
Substance abuse and cigarette smoking are documented. The history is documented in a systematic and legible manner in each health record. Conducting the Physical Examination
A physical exam which includes, but is not limited to, the following parameters is documented in a systematic and legible manner:
• pulse • blood pressure • abdomen • pelvic assessment
A diagnosis of pregnancy gestation and the presence or absence of any risk factors are clearly indicated on the health record. Providing Support and Education to the Woman
Educational information that is readily understandable to the woman is available regarding the procedure, aftercare and contraception.
Educational information is both verbal and written
Decision-making counselling assuming no predetermined outcome is offered to the client and is documented.
The woman’s individual and freely chosen decision to pursue pregnancy termination is assessed privately.
Emotional and psychological support is provided as needed by trained staff.
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Pre-termination Assessment
Appropriate pre-termination assessment screening is performed on all women.
Routine pre-termination assessment screening for all women identified as pregnant and at no risk (no co-existing medical conditions or other factors which might affect the procedure or outcome) includes, but is not limited to:
• haemoglobin • Rh factor
These screening procedures may be carried out and the appropriate follow-up accordingly arranged. They are:
• rubella • sickle cell testing • serology for syphilis • electrolytes • cervical cytology
Protocols exist for additional pre-operative screening for women at risk for example:
• blood coagulation disorders • malignant hyperthermia.
Women at risk for sexually transmitted diseases are either screened with cervical cultures or treated appropriately. Consideration should be given to screening women at risk for hepatitis and HIV antigen using new rapid assays where available. Performing Pelvic Ultrasound
Pelvic ultrasound is performed by health professionals as an integral component of abortion care. Ultrasound Performed by a Physician
A physician performing abortion procedures performs an ultrasound to:
• confirm intrauterine gestation
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
• determine the gestational age • assist in the evacuation process • confirm that no residual products of conception are present. Ultrasound Performed by a Technologist
A trained assistant other than the physician performing abortions performs an ultrasound under the supervision of the physician to:
• confirm intrauterine gestation • determine the gestational age.
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Chapter 7 Protocols for Care Overview
The woman is provided with accurate information about the procedure and its risks and benefits. The woman is provided with all information necessary to facilitate her care and aftercare. Written Protocols of Care
Care is conducted according to written protocols. Written protcols of care exist for pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operatve care of the woman at no risk and the woman at risk.
Specific protocols address the care of the following women at risk (women in whom medical conditions or other factors might affect the procedure or outcome) and includes but is not limited to:
• anaemia • blood coagulation disorders • diabetes • heart disease • hyperemesis gravidarum • malignant hyperthermia • morbid obesity. • early medical abortion • surgical abortion less than or equal to 12 weeks • surgical abortion 13 to 16 weeks
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
• surgical abortion 17 to 20 weeks Note: In relation to D & E after 13 weeks, protocols exist for sufficient dilatation of the cervix through use of
multiple osmotic dilators (e.g. laminaria), misoprostol or other methods.
Documenting the Procedure
All aspects of intervention are documented in the record in a systematic legible format and signed by the responsible individual. Following-up with the Woman
Arrangements are made for appropriate follow-up subsequent to the procedure. Tissue Samples
Under physician supervision, tissue obtained from the abortion is examined to establish termination of an intrauterine pregnancy.
Tissue from an abortion where chorionic villi or fetal parts cannot be identified grossly is submitted for microscopic examination as soon as possible with an appropriate mechanism in place to retrieve the pathological report and notify the patient of outcome.
Gross examination of tissue where fetal parts and chorionic villi can be seen is noted in the health record. Fetal Tissue from Dilatation and Evacuation
Fetal tissue from dilatation and evacuation procedures beyond 13 weeks gestation is examined for complete evacuation of all major fetal parts. Foot length is measured.
Fetal tissue from dilatation and evacuation procedures should be disposed of in accordance with current legislation; that is, Vital Statistics Act, Government of Ontario in the case of a stillborn, or in accordance with the current Guidelines for the Handling and Disposal of Biomedical Wastes from Health Care Facilities and Laboratories, Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
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Chapter 8 Providing Emergency Services Overview
Emergency care appropriate to abortion procedures is provided. Providing Emergency Care
The facility has the capability to transfer a woman immediately to a hospital in the case of an acute emergency. Where D & E services are provided, the facility has immediate access (within 30 minutes) to a full service hospital (with blood banks, intensive care unit and operating room).
Staff trained in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation are on site in the facility until all women are discharged post-operatively.
The facility has drugs and emergency protocols appropriate for medical emergencies which include, but are not limited to:
• haemorrhage • anaphylactic shock • cardiac arrest • seizures
A physician is immediately available until all women are discharged from the facility.
The facility provides all women with verbal and written information on discharge. There is a 24 hour contact number through which a woman can obtain emergency care, both physical and psychological, for any problem arising related to an abortion.
The pre-operative assessment screens for the women at risk so she may be cared for appropriately, whether in the facility or in a hospital setting.
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
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Chapter 9 Providing Diagnostic Services Overview
Medical laboratory and pathology services, and diagnostic services are appropriate to the needs of the women and support the facility's clinical activity. Providing Diagnostic Services
Services are provided in a timely manner.
Dated reports for all diagnostic services performed are part of the health record.
A written protocol addresses the facility's procedure for reviewing and acting on diagnostic tests.
All diagnostic services are carried out in a safe manner which includes the use of sterile technique, observation of universal body/fluid precautions, and the appropriate disposal of all products of conception and biomedical waste.
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
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Appendix I Independent Health Facilities Act - Ontario Regulation 346/04 Amended O. Reg. 57/92 Note: Ontario Regulation 57/92 has previously been amended. Those amendments are listed in the Table of
Regulations - Legislative History Overview which can be found at www.e-laws.gov.on.ca. Facilities are encouraged to check the Ontario Government Website for updates. Quality Advisor and Advisory Committee 1 (1)Every licensee shall appoint a quality advisor to advise the licensee
with respect to the quality and standards of services provided in the independent health facility.
(2)If the quality advisor dies or ceases to be the quality advisor, the
licensee shall appoint a new quality advisor forthwith.
(3)The quality advisor must be a health professional who ordinarily
provides insured services in or in connection with the independent health facility and whose training enables him or her to advise the licensee with respect to the quality and standards of services provided in the facility.
(4)It is a condition of a licence that the quality advisor be a physician if
all the insured services provided in the independent health facility that support the facility fees that the licensee may charge are provided by physicians.
(5)In subsection (4), an insured service supports a facility fee if the
facility fee is for or in respect of a service or operating cost that supports, assists or is a necessary adjuct to the insured service.
(6)A licensee who is qualified under subsection (3) may appoint himself
or herself as the quality advisor only if there is no other health professional who is qualified to be the quality advisor who will consent to be the quality advisor. O Reg 57/92, s.1. 2 (1)Every licencee shall appoint an advisory committee to advise the
(2)The advisory committee shall consist of health professionals who
provide health services in or in connection with the independent health facility.
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
(3)The quality advisor shall be the chair of the advisory committee.
(4)Every licensee shall use his or her best efforts to ensure that there is a
representative on the advisory committee from the health profession and each specialty and sub-specialty of medicine, practitioners of which provide health services in or in connection with the independent health facility. O Reg. 57/92, s.2. 3 (1)Every licensee shall give the Director the name of the quality advisor
in writing forthwith after the quality advisor is appointed.
(2)If the quality advisor dies or ceases to be the quality advisor, the
licensee shall inform the Director in writing forthwith.
(3)Every licensee shall give the Director, on request, the names of the
members of the advisory committee in writing. O. Reg. 57/92, s.3. Standards 4 (1)Every licensee shall ensure that all aspects of the services provided
in the independent health facility are provided in accordance with generally accepted professional standards.
(2)Every licensee shall ensure that the persons who provide services in
the independent health facility are qualified, according to generally accepted professional standards, to provide those services.
(3)If the quality advisor has reasonable grounds to believe that this
section is not being complied with, he or she shall inform the Director forthwith. O. Reg. 57/92, s.4. 5 Every licensee shall keep a system to monitor the results of the services
provided in the independent health facility. O. Reg. 57/92, s.5. 6 (1)Every licensee shall ensure that all tissues removed from a patient
during an operation or curettage performed in an independent health facility are sent to a laboratory for examination and report unless the physician performing the operation or curettage is of the opinion that it is not necessary according to generally accepted medical standards.
(2)The licensee shall ensure that a short history of the case and a
statement of the findings of the operation or curettage are sent with the tissues. O. Reg. 57/92, s.6.
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Records of Employees 7 (1)Every licensee of an independent health facility shall maintain, for
each employee of the facility who is not a physician, an employment record setting out the employee’s qualifications and employment history including a record of any registration with or licensing by the governing body of a health profession.
(2) Every licensee shall retain an employee’s employment record for at
least two years after the employee ceases to be an employee. O. Reg. 57/92, s.7. 8 (1)Every licensee of an independent health facility shall maintain a
record of qualifications and work history for:
(A)each person the licensee contracts with to manage the facility; and
(B)each person who is not a physician who the licensee contracts with to
provide patient-related services in the facility.
(2)The record shall include a record of any registration with or licensing
by the governing body of a health profession.
(3)Every licensee shall retain the record for a person the licensee
contracts with for at least two years after the licensee ceases to contract with the person. O. Reg. 57/92, s.8. 9 (1)Every licensee shall maintain a declaration of professional standing
for each physician who provides professional services in the independent health facility.
(2)A declaration of professional standing must include the following
2. The physician’s registration number with the College of
3. The physician’s number registered with the Health Insurance
4. The class of the physician’s licence issued under Part III of the
Health Disciplines Act and any terms and conditions attached to it.
(3)Every licensee shall give the Director a copy of each declaration of
professional standing, forthwith after the obligation to maintain it begins under subsection (1).
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
(4)Every licensee shall give the Director a written statement of any
change in a declaration of professional standing forthwith after the change.
(5)Subsections (3) and (4) do not apply with respect to physicians
providing services on a temporary basis for less than twelve weeks. O. Reg. 57/92, s.9. Patient Records 10 (1)Every licensee of an independent health facility shall keep, for each
person who is or was a patient, a health record relating to the health services provided in the facility.
(2)A patient’s health record must include:
(a) the patient’s name and home address
(d) the name of any attending physician or practitioner and his or
her number as registered with the Health Insurance Division of the Ministry of Health
(e) the name of any referring physician or practitioner and his or
her number as registered with the Health Insurance Division of the Ministry of Health
(g) a written record of any orders for examinations, tests,
(h) particulars of any examination of the patient
(i) any reports of examinations, tests or consultations including
any imaging media from examinations and any physicians’ interpretive or operative reports
(j) any reports of treatment including any physicians’ operative
(k) any orders for and reports of any discharge of the patient
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(3)A patients health record need not contain a history of the patient if
the patient came to the independent health facility for diagnostic services only and received only such services.
(4)Every licensee shall ensure that every part of a patient’s record has a
reference on it identifying the patient or the record.
(5)If information in a patient’s record is kept in the form of a chart, each
entry in the chart must be dated and it must be initialled by the person authorizing the entry. O. Reg. 57/92, s.10. 11 (1)Every licensee shall retain a patient’s health record or a copy of it
(b) if the patient was less than eighteen years old when he or
she last visited the facility, the day the patient became or would have become eighteen years old.
(2)Despite subsection (1), a licensee is not required to retain imaging
media from any examination other than a mammography for more than three years following:
(b) if the patient was less than eighteen years old when he or
she last visited the facility, the day the patient became or would have become eighteen years old.
(3)Every licensee shall retain the film from a mammography for at least
ten years following the patient’s last visit. O. Reg. 57/92, s.11. (4) On the transfer of a licence under section 11 of the Act, the transferor of the licence shall transfer to the transferee of the licence in a manner that will protect the privacy of the records, the records maintained under section 10 of this Regulation, and the transferee of the licence shall retain those records in accordance with this section. Section 12 of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: 12 (1)No licensee shall allow any person to have acess to any information concerning a patient that is not subject to the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 except in accordance with subsection (3). (2)The reference to “information concerning a patient” in subsection (1) includes information or copies from a health record, even if anything that could identify the patient is removed.
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
(3)A licensee may provide information described in subsection (1) to the following persons if anything that could identify the patient is removed from the information: 1. Any person, if the information is be used for health administration or planning or health research or epidemiological studies and the use is in the public interest as determined by the Minister. 2. Cancer Care Ontario. Books and Accounts 12.1(1)This section applies to licensees of independent health facilities
that are funded under section 24 of the Act, other than independent health facilities whose funding is based solely on the Ministry of Health publication titled “Schedule of Facility Fees”.
(2)Every licensee shall keep the following records in relation to the
(i) the amounts paid by the Minister to the licensee under
(ii) the revenue earned by the licensee from facility fees
charged by the licensee for or in respect of services or operating costs that support, assist or are a necessary adjunct to the primary insured services set out in the licensee’s licence, and
(iii) the expenditures, assets and liabilities of the facility that
relate to the costs paid by the Minister under section 24 of the Act.
2. A reporting record listing each service provided in the facility
that is a primary insured service set out in the licensee’s licence and each service provided in the facility that is a funded service under section 24 of the Act and showing how many of each of such services are provided.
3. An annual income and expense statement showing the income
received and the expenses incurred by the licensee in connection with the services mentioned in paragraph 2.
4. An annual inventory of the assets of the facility that have an
acquisition cost exceeding $3,500 and that relate to the costs paid by the Minister under section 24 of the Act.
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(3)Every licensee shall ensure that the records required under section
(a) are kept in the independent health facility; and
(b) are kept in a bound or looseleaf book or are recorded by a
system of mechanical or electronic data processing or any other information storage device.
(4)Every licensee shall ensure that any part of a record required under
subsection (2) that relates to a period of time is retained for at least six years following the end of the period.
(5)Every licensee shall ensure that the accounts of the independent
health facility are audited by a person licensed under the PublicAccountancy Act. O. Reg. 283/94, s.1, part.12.2 Every licensee of an independent health facility shall furnish such
information and accounts as the Director may require. O. Reg. 283/94, s.1, part. 13 Every licensee of an independent health facility,
(a) who decides to cease operating the facility at a future date shall
give the Director, as soon as possible, written notice of the date; and
(b) who ceases operate the facility shall give the Director, within
seven days after the date the licensee ceases to operate the facility, written notice of the date. O. Reg. 57/92, s.13. 14 Every licensee of an independent health facility shall give the
(a) if the licensee is a corporation, written notice of any change in the
location of the licensee’s head office within ten days after the change; and
(b) written notice of any change in the name under which the licensee
carries on business within ten days after the change. O. Reg. 57/92, s.14.
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
Miscellaneous 15 It is a condition of a licence that the licensee post the first page of the
licence in a conspicuous place in the independent health facility. O. Reg. 57/92, s.15. 16(1)The fee for a licence is $100.
(2)The fee for the transfer of a licence is $100.
(3)The fee for the renewal of a licence is $100. O. Reg. 57/92, s.16. 17 The administrative charge for the purposes of section 36 of the Act is
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Appendix II Parameters for the Use of Local Anaesthesia with Sedation by Non-anaesthesia Physicians Overview
This appendix provides guidelines for the use of local anaesthesia with sedation by non-anaesthesia physicians in an IHF performing induced abortion. Use of parenteral medication for anxiolysis, sedation, and anaesthesia presents risks which are dependent on the level of sedation and depression of airway protective reflexes. Definitions
The following levels of sedation are appropriate for use in such a facility by non-anaesthesia physicians:
• analgesia and anxiolysis • sedation and analgesia.
Decrease in or elimination of pain and anxiety in a conscious patient. The patient is easily awakened by normal or softly spoken verbal commands and is oriented when awake. She is able to hold a conversation. All vital signs are stable, there is no significant risk of losing protective reflexes, and the patient is able to maintain pre-procedure mobility.
A state of depressed level of consciousness in which a patient is able to maintain a patent airway independently and continuously and can be aroused by physical stimuli. These patients are unable to hold a conversation, but respond to commands by appropriate action or brief verbalization. Physician Education
Physician education must be adequate for the level of sedation being practiced in the facility.
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
In any facility where parenteral sedation is used, physician education should include, in addition to the qualifications required for the performance of the procedure itself:
• basic CPR • documented number of cases done under supervision • verification by the Quality Advisor that the physician understands and is
capable of maintaining the level of sedation which the staff and facility are prepared for.
In addition, if Sedation and Analgesia are used, physician education should include:
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) • periodic updates, including airway management. Patient Selection
Patients are assessed for conditions that would put them at increased risk of cardiorespiratory compromise during parenteral sedation. Such conditions might include:
• cardiac or pulmonary disease • morbid obesity • marked anaemia • habituation to anxiolytic or narcotic medications • impairment of hepatic or renal function affecting drug metabolism • concurrent use of medications that are not compatible with the facility’s • lack of IV access.
Final selection of sedation level is made by the physician taking into account individual patient risk factors, physician training, and facility preparedness. Drug Administration/Patient Monitoring
Medications for anxiolysis and sedation are chosen with consideration of their duration of action, their known safety profile, and ease of dosage adjustment to prevent over sedation. In general, these will be narcotics and/or benzodiazepines with a short half-life and no active metabolites.
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The facility has a formulary and protocols which govern the medications and doses used, the maximum level of sedation to be attained, and the procedure for monitoring and if necessary reversing the level of sedation.
The physician is responsible for determining the dosage and timing of administration of sedative and anxiolytic medications in each individual patient.
There is a suitably trained assistant to the surgeon in the room for drug administration and monitoring.
Monitoring may consist of maintaining verbal contact with the patient, measurement of heart rate and blood pressure, and use of monitoring equipment as set out below. Equipment
The following equipment is available whenever any parenteral sedation is administered:
• blood pressure apparatus • source of oxygen • laerdal bag or equivalent • suction • SAO2 oximetry • oral airway • IV equipment.
In addition, if sedation and analgesia are used, equipment should include:
• intubation equipment
The following drugs are available whenever parenteral sedation is administered:
• sedatives and narcotics • local anaesthetics • reversal drugs
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
In addition, if sedation and analgesia are used, drugs should include:
• resuscitative drugs Emergency Routines
Emergency routines are established for the following:
• oversedation with loss of ability to respond to verbal communications • anaphylaxis • respiratory or cardiac arrest • other routines as appropriate to the facility.
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Bibliography A Clinician’s Guide to Medical and Surgical Abortion, Churchill Livingstone, 1999.
Clinical Policy Guidelines, 2005; National Abortion Federation; 1755 Massachusetts Avenue, NW; Suite 600; Washington, DC 20036. (available at www.guidelines.gov)
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards - Obstetrics & Gynaecology Induced Abortion - Second Edition, May 1993 - College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
Practice Guidelines for Sedation and Analgesia by Non-anaesthesiologists, Anesthesiology April 2002.
Clinical Practice Parameters and Facility Standards for Induced Abortion
Eat More : seen in menopausal women, and as they are associated t Plant-based foods, especially fresh fruits and with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, it may be vegetables such as cabbage family vegetables – appropriate to ensure optimal intake of these nutrients either broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, bok choy, Chinese broccoli, broccolini, Garlic and oni
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