Context:
The objective of this systematic review was to update a prior review
and summarize the evidence (newly identified and cumulative) on the impact
of contraceptive counseling provided in clinical settings.
Evidence acquisition:
Multiple databases, including PubMed, were searched during
2016–2017 for articles published from March 1, 2011, to November 30,
2016.
Evidence synthesis:
The search strategy identified 24,953 articles; ten studies met
inclusion criteria. Two of three new studies that examined contraceptive
counseling interventions (i.e., enhanced models to standard of care) among
adolescents and young adults found a statistically significant positive
impact on at least one outcome of interest. Five of seven new studies that
examined contraceptive counseling, in general, or specific counseling
interventions or aspects of counseling (e.g., personalization) among adults
or mixed populations (adults and adolescents) found a statistically
significant positive impact on at least one outcome of interest. In
combination with the initial review, six of nine studies among adolescents
and young adults and 16 of 23 studies among adults or mixed populations
found a statistically significant positive impact of counseling on at least
one outcome of interest.
Conclusions:
Overall, evidence supports the utility of contraceptive counseling,
in general, and specific interventions or aspects of counseling. Promising
components of contraceptive counseling were identified. The following would
strengthen the evidence base: improved documentation of counseling content
and processes, increased attention to the relationships between client
experiences and behavioral outcomes, and examining the comparative
effectiveness of different counseling approaches to identify those that are
most effective.
Theme information:
This article is part of a theme issue entitled Updating the
Systematic Reviews Used to Develop the U.S. Recommendations for Providing
Quality Family Planning Services, which is sponsored by the Office of
Population Affairs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.