Patient perspectives on quality family planning services in underserved areas

Abstract

Ongoing challenges impede efforts to improve the quality of family planning services in underserved communities, which by definition lack sufficient numbers of physicians and other health professionals. Challenges to improving the quality of family planning services include financing difficulties, lack of standards, training deficiencies, as well as little understanding and attention to patient preferences. The objectives of this study were to explore female patients' preferences for family planning services in underserved areas and to develop a framework to help providers improve patient-centered care. The methodology for this paper included mixed methods research including a survey of women between the ages of 18 and 44 in 19 underserved communities (n=1868) across the United States and qualitative research involving 16 focus groups (n=103) to explore patient preferences and experiences with family planning services. Descriptive statistics of survey items and thematic analysis of transcripts were utilized to analyze study data. Triangulation of data sources and methods resulted in an overall framework for patient-centered family planning care. The results show women in underserved areas identified important aspects of family planning care as: relationship with provider, communication, confidentiality in receiving care, provider competence, service access and convenience. The conclusion suggests improving patient-centered care for family planning services could improve outcomes by increasing patient return for follow up care, patient pursuit of other primary and preventive care services, continuation rates of contraceptive method, and higher contraceptive use. Achieving patient-centered family planning care will require investments in human capital and technology, modifications in clinic operations, and an organizational culture focused on patient preferences and experience.

“When Is Health Care Actually Going to Be Care?” The Lived Experience of Family Planning Care Among Young Black Women

“…In addition, providers can create opportunities for patients to engage in dialogue, including discussion about perceptions and experiences with family planning methods and what method(s) might be best for them. Care models, such as person- or client-centered care ( Goldberg et al, 2017 ; World Health Organization Department of Reproductive Health and Research & Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Communication Program [CCP] Knowledge for Health Project, 2018 ), relationship-centered care ( Dehlendorf et al, 2014 ), and trauma-informed care models ( Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014 ), may provide the tools and resources needed to improve current FPC delivery. To systematically build and cultivate cultural health capital during FPC visits, institutions should examine the structure of visits, information-sharing, and counseling practices, including information delivery, and how clinicians and staff help patients navigate visits.…”

The role of structural and process quality of family planning Care in Modern Contraceptive use in Indonesia: a multilevel analysis

“…This finding suggests that visual and auditory privacy in the FP examination room are also imperative for quality FP care. The importance of maintaining clients' confidentiality and privacy had been also underlined by prior studies as one of crucial factors for quality FP care [19,49].…”

The Role of Structural and Process Quality of Family Planning Care in Modern Contraceptive Use in Indonesia: A Multilevel Analysis

“…This nding suggests that visual and auditory privacy in the FP examination room are also imperative for quality FP care. The importance of maintaining clients' con dentiality and privacy had been also underlined by prior studies as one of crucial factors for quality FP care (19,29).…”