Improving adherence to family planning guidelines in Kenya: an experiment

Abstract

Service delivery guidelines, when properly disseminated, can improve family planning practices in sub-Saharan Africa.

Evaluation of Family Planning Counselling in North Jordan

“…2,27,29 Although the current study did not address the skills or qualifications of the various counselling providers, the results seem to indicate that midwives with specialised medical education and training in MOH-affiliated clinics could not compete with social workers without health-related training or medical education in private clinics. An essential component in the provision of high-quality counselling is effective and efficient communication skills.…”

“…Other countries have reported better results pertaining to the evaluation of family planning services in general, and for counselling in particular. [27][28][29] The findings of the current study suggest that social workers working in JAFPP clinics more consistently employed the GATHER framework while counselling in contrast to MOH midwives at governmental clinics. 22 Moreover, certain aspects of the GATHER framework-including the use of audiovisual aids and asking what the client already knew about contraceptive methods and whether anything was not understood-were applied more consistently in JAFPP clinics compared to MOH clinics.…”

“…2,27 In addition, the lack of separate rooms for counselling sessions and the time demands on MOH employees would not facilitate the provision of counselling services. To some extent, the lack of professional training on counselling protocols and the 'walk-in'-based system might explain the low level of counselling competency noted at MOH clinics in the current study.…”

“…Such conditions offer a client-centred and friendly atmosphere for family planning services. 17,18,27,28 Moreover, the time allocation for each patient was determined by an appointmentbased system which may have helped to assure the quality of counselling. In 2009, the Jordanian Higher Population Council recommended restructuring MOH protocols for the provision, evaluation and monitoring of family planning counselling services in order to reduce contraceptive failure, incorrect use and discontinuation rates.…”

“…29 Previous studies have ascertained that specialised training increases providers' knowledge of contraceptives and their willingness to prescribe appropriate methods. 2,26,27,29 Continuous evidence-based training is therefore a promising approach for enhancing counselling services at MOH clinics in Jordan.…”