Client-centered counseling improves client satisfaction with family planning visits: evidence from Irbid, Jordan

Abstract

In Irbid, Jordan, a combination of community outreach, using home visits, plays, women's groups, and religious leaders, and improved client-provider counseling based on the “Consult and Choose” approach increased family planning demand and client satisfaction. Service statistic trends suggest increased contraceptive use.

Evaluation of Family Planning Counselling in North Jordan

“…One study indicated a 20% increase in patient satisfaction with family planning services with each additional counselling protocol step. 5 Another study previously investigated the effect of involving men in counselling; however, the content of the sessions was not evaluated. 11 Finally, various other studies have analysed general family planning services rather than focusing specifically on counselling.…”

“…4 Another national study in Jordan has indicated that family planning services are often influenced by the personal beliefs of the providers; for example, most providers emphasised the importance of a large family and recommended short-term contraceptive methods for women with fewer children, refusing to suggest semipermanent approaches like an intrauterine device. 5 Religious and social beliefs also influenced family planning recommendations, with some providers expressing preference for a male child. 5 According to the 2015-2019 strategic plan of the MOH, the strengthening of reproductive health services is a top priority.…”

“…5 Religious and social beliefs also influenced family planning recommendations, with some providers expressing preference for a male child. 5 According to the 2015-2019 strategic plan of the MOH, the strengthening of reproductive health services is a top priority. 16 However, despite the existence of MOH guidelines, relatively little is known regarding the actual magnitude or quality of family planning counselling sessions in Jordan.…”

“…However, inadequate communication between service providers and patients may impact the disclosure or understanding of salient information concerning the appropriate use and sideeffects of various contraceptives, which may in turn lead to contraceptive discontinuation. 4,5 Evidence indicates that structured counselling both protects women's rights to an informed and voluntary decision regarding their reproductive choices and improves the use of modern contraception methods. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Ideally, counselling sessions should be acceptable to the patient, provide high-quality information and offer enough time and motivation to apply any recommendations.…”

“…4,5 Evidence indicates that structured counselling both protects women's rights to an informed and voluntary decision regarding their reproductive choices and improves the use of modern contraception methods. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Ideally, counselling sessions should be acceptable to the patient, provide high-quality information and offer enough time and motivation to apply any recommendations. 13 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a successful counsellor should understand women's beliefs, needs and concerns and be respectful, honest, highly competent and an effective communicator.…”