DKT and Ipas collaborate and publish research on the use (and re-use) of MVA aspirators in abortion and post-abortion care
Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) kits have been used by providers around the world for more than 40 years in relation to abortion or post-abortion care, but there is a limited body of research available about their use and re-use. To learn more about how providers use these devices around the world, DKT International (which now distributes the devices via DKT WomanCare Global) joined forces with Ipas (the product’s original creators), to conduct a multi-national study examining reuse and replacement procedures for Ipas manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) kits.
The article, “Examining reuse and replacement procedures for Ipas manual vacuum aspiration and cannulae in nine countries” was published June 21, 2023 in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics. A consortium of 15 researchers from DKT International, Ipas, and International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) – (and some independent contractors) – employed a mixed-methods, cross-sectional study of 352 health care providers in nine countries over the course of three years to complete the project. Surveys from the study found providers reuse MVA technology more often than suggested and rarely implement tracking processes to manage the instruments’ use. Instead, providers are more concerned with the instruments’ functionality and receiving proper training on cleaning and reprocessing. This research will help DKT and other partners better understand gaps in knowledge and technology access among providers, ultimately contributing to increased quality of care for clients.
To learn more about MVA kits and how to order them or receive training on how to use them, please contact DKT WomanCare Global.