How Can Counseling Interactions Be Improved to Better Address Client Need?
In addition to the information clients receive, the quality of the interaction between clients and providers plays an important role in discontinuation. “Evidence shows that clients of all ages desire a relationship with their provider that exhibits respect and trust, correct and relevant information, and a person-centered interaction that affords them the dignity of making an informed choice about their contraceptive use, free from provider bias,” Danna et al. wrote.
Quality counseling that addresses side effects and health concerns, as well as myths and misperceptions about a method, during the first interaction and subsequent points of contact could reduce the reasons why women seek to stop using a method. Over the years, programs have used different interventions to improve client-provider interactions, as well as strategies to ensure that clients receive comprehensive information, but these have not been shown to have a measurable impact on contraceptive discontinuation rates.
The results of the GHSP review of the existing evidence support the need to improve the quality of counseling by adhering to several principles, such as shared decision making.