Evaluation of a fertility awareness-based shared decision-making tool part 2: Patient experiences

Marguerite Duane; Virginia Martinez; Meghan Berry; Sarah Gilpatrick; Michael D Manhart

doi:10.1016/j.pecinn.2023.100169

Evaluation of a fertility awareness-based shared decision-making tool part 2: Patient experiences

PEC Innov. 2023 May 23:2:100169. doi: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2023.100169. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Authors

Marguerite Duane¹, Virginia Martinez¹, Meghan Berry¹, Sarah Gilpatrick¹, Michael D Manhart²

Affiliations

¹ FACTS, 1020 Kearny St NE, Washington, DC 20017, USA.
² Fertility Science Institute, Couple to Couple League International, 5440 Moeller Avenue Suite 149, Cincinnati, OH 45212, USA.

Abstract

Objective: To assess patient experiences using a Shared Decision-Making (SDM) Tool for fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) of family planning.

Methods: The study employed a prospective crossover design to evaluate impact of the SDM tool compared to usual practice when discussing FABMs with patients. Patients completed pre- and post-office visit surveys and an online survey six months later. The primary outcomes evaluated the effect of the SDM tool on patient satisfaction and FABM continuity of use rates.

Results: There was no significant difference in likelihood of changing family planning methods immediately after the office visit; however, by six months a significantly larger proportion of patients had started or changed FABMs in the experimental group (52%, 34/66) compared to the control group (36%, 24/66) (p = 0.04). Significantly more patients who used the tool and changed their FABM after their visit reported increased satisfaction with their FABM compared to control (50% vs. 17%, p = 0.022).

Conclusions: Use of the SDM tool increased persistent use of and satisfaction with chosen FABMs at six months.

Innovations: The novel SDM tool can enhance patients' understanding and facilitate the selection of a more suitable method leading to increased satisfaction.

Keywords: Decision-making tool; Family planning; Family planning counseling; Fertility awareness; Patient education; Shared decision making.