Decisional conflict associated with clinicians discouraging particular contraceptive methods

A scoping review into the explanations for differences in the degrees of shared decision making experienced by patients

OBJECTIVES

In order to improve the degree of shared decision making (SDM) experienced by patients, it is necessary to gain insight into the explanations for the differences in these degrees.

METHODS

A scoping review of the literature on the explanations for differences in the degree of SDM experienced by patients was conducted. We assessed 21,329 references. Ultimately, 308 studies were included. The explanations were divided into micro, meso, and macro levels.

RESULTS

The explanations are mainly related to the micro level. They include explanations related to the patient and healthcare professionals, the relationship between the patient and the physician, and the involvement of the patient's relatives. On the macro level, explanations are related to restrictions within the healthcare system such as time constraints, and adequate information about treatment options. On the meso level, explanations are related to the continuity of care and the involvement of other healthcare professionals.

CONCLUSIONS

SDM is not an isolated process between the physician and patient. Explanations are connected to the macro, meso, and micro levels.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

This scoping review suggests that there could be more focus on explanations related to the macro and meso levels, and on how explanations at different levels are interrelated.

Improvement in contraceptive knowledge after using an online educational resource

OBJECTIVES

To measure the change in contraceptive knowledge after interaction with a web-based contraception education resource in an online cohort of potential users.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of reproductive-aged, biologically female respondents using Amazon Mechanical Turk. Respondents provided demographic characteristics and responded to 32 contraceptive knowledge questions. We assessed contraceptive knowledge before and after interaction with the resource and compared the number of correct answers using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. We used univariate and multivariable logistic regression to identify respondent characteristics associated with an increase in the number of correct answers. We calculated System Usability Scale scores to assess ease of use.

RESULTS

A convenience sample of 789 respondents were included in our analysis. Prior to resource use, respondents had a median of 17/32 correct contraceptive knowledge responses (interquartile range [IQR] 12-22). The number of correct answers increased to 21/32 (IQR 12-26, p < 0.001) after viewing the resource; 556 (70.5%) had an increase contraceptive knowledge. In adjusted analyses, respondents who were never married (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.47, 95% CI 1.01-2.15), or thought decisions about birth control should be made by themselves (aOR 1.95, 95% CI 1.17-3.26) or in conjunction with a clinician (aOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.20-3.64) were more likely to have an increase in contraceptive knowledge. Respondents reported a median system usability score of 70 out of 100 (IQR 50-82.5).

CONCLUSIONS

These results support the effectiveness and usability of this online contraception education resource among this sample of online respondents. The educational resource could effectively augment contraceptive counseling in the clinical setting.

IMPLICATIONS

Use of an online contraception education resource improved contraceptive knowledge among reproductive-age users.

Dimensional Analysis of Shared Decision Making in Contraceptive Counseling

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a dimensional analysis to identify conceptual gaps around shared decision making (SDM) in reproductive health care and to refine the conceptual definition of SDM as related to contraceptive counseling.

DATA SOURCES

We identified source data through systematic searches of the CINAHL and PubMed databases.

STUDY SELECTION

We included peer-reviewed research and nonresearch articles that addressed contraceptive counseling for pregnancy prevention in the United States. We did not consider date of publication as an inclusion criterion. We included 35 articles in the final review.

DATA EXTRACTION

Using dimensional analysis, we extracted data to clarify the definition of SDM as a socially constructed concept that varies by perspective and context.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Data synthesis enabled us to compare SDM from patient and provider perspectives and to identify four primary dimensions of SDM that varied by context: Patient Preferences, Relationship, Provider Bias, and Clinical Suitability.

CONCLUSION

The four dimensions we identified illustrate the complexity and depth of SDM in contraceptive counseling encounters and broaden the definition of SDM to more than an encounter in which decision making incorporates clinician expertise and patient participation. We identified several assumptions that indicate the need for improved understanding that SDM is not a universal concept across perspectives and contexts. Most researchers in the included articles addressed the Patient Preferences dimension. Fewer considered the patient-provider relationship, the effect of provider bias, and the effect of specific clinical circumstances on SDM. We propose a conceptual map and model that can be used to refine the concepts that inform SDM and guide providers and researchers. Future research is needed to address the remaining gaps.

Postpartum permanent contraception: updates on policy and access

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To describe barriers to provision of postpartum permanent contraception at patient, hospital, and insurance levels.

RECENT FINDINGS

Permanent contraception remains the most commonly used form of contraception in the United States with the majority of procedures performed during birth-hospitalization. Many people live in regions with a high Catholic hospital market share where individual contraceptive plans may be refused based on religious doctrine. Obesity should not preclude an individual from receiving a postpartum tubal ligation as recent studies find that operative time is clinically similar with no increased risk of complications in obese compared with nonobese people. The largest barrier to provision of permanent contraception remains the federally mandated consent for sterilization for those with Medicaid insurance. State variation in enforcement of the Medicaid policy additionally contributes to unequal access and physician reimbursement. Although significant barriers exist in policy that will take time to improve, hospital-based interventions, such as listing postpartum tubal ligation as an 'urgent' procedure or scheduling interval laparoscopic salpingectomy prior to birth-hospitalization discharge can make a significant impact in actualization of desired permanent contraception for patients.

SUMMARY

Unfulfilled requests for permanent contraception result in higher rates of unintended pregnancies, loss of self-efficacy, and higher costs. Hospital and federal policy should protect vulnerable populations while not preventing provision of desired contraception.