Engaging OB/GYN Residents In Contraceptive Counseling to Improve Patient Satisfaction
- Participants will learn how to start contraceptive counseling classes in their practice setting
- Participants will understand how contraceptive counseling classes can improve patient compliance and access.
- Participant will be able to identify ways to engage OB/GYN residents in patient education and counseling.
Purpose for the program: The Care Coordinator became aware of the limited information and counseling provided to OB patients about contraception. Patients often stated that “the doctor told me to take the shot because it would be easier” or “my friend told me that this is a good method”. Patients were often given handouts with little discussion about methods. Patients often left the hospital and did not know when to start using their pills or other methods. The Care Coordinator suggested that a new method was needed to improve patient education regarding all available contraceptive options; thereby enabling the patient to make the best choice. Additionally, GYN patients often had to wait many weeks for appointments to discuss changes in method. Uninsured patients were referred to outside clinics for contraception at sliding scale costs. Finally, the program is structured to include OB/GYN residents in the sessions to enhance their counseling techniques with patients and their understanding of patient barriers to compliance with methods.
Proposed change: One hour group sessions are offered in both English and Spanish. All forms of contraception are discussed. Sessions are conducted by an APRN and MD using a facilitative model. Group size is 8-20 patients. Light refreshments are provided. Various models and charts are used to facilitate discussion and allow patients to visualize products. Patients are encouraged to share their experiences with different options. Prenatal patients are encouraged to consider their options before delivery. Postpartum patients discuss what choice they made and review how and when to begin use. GYN patients often chose a new method and leave with the prescription that day. Uninsured patients are provided grant applications for free or lower cost products.
Implementation, outcomes and evaluation: Classes were initially once per month, one English and one Spanish class. Classes have been expanded to eight sessions per month due to demand. All OB/GYN residents rotate through the sessions, as well as pharmacy and nursing students. To date, comments on patient satisfaction surveys are extremely positive. Uninsured patients have been successful in getting IUDs through Grants and payment plans. The triage RNs report less questions regarding contraception. Our next steps will be to evaluate if patients are satisfied with their choices and if residents have changed their counseling techniques.
Implications for nursing practice:
- Replication of model of counseling
- Improved patient understanding of contraception
- A new opportunity to collaborate with residents.
Keywords: counseling, contraception, facilitative groups
