Characteristics of good contraceptive counselling – An interview study

Objective

One key component in preventing unplanned pregnancies is to provide effective contraceptive counselling. This study aimed to investigate what characterises good contraceptive counselling from the woman's perspective.

Methods

A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach. Twenty-four women aged 15–45 participated in semi-structured, individual, face-to-face interviews that lasted, on average, one hour. Data were analysed by latent content analysis.

Results

One overall theme emerged, person-centred contraceptive counselling – an interactive process, with three main categories: (i) a trustworthy healthcare provider, (ii) creating a liaison and (iii) the right time and place.

Conclusions

The healthcare provider’s attributes as well as what happened between the healthcare provider and the woman, and the surrounding context, had a bearing on the women’s descriptions of good contraceptive counselling. The process of the counselling was described as more important than the actual outcome; thus, healthcare providers need to be aware that this seemingly straightforward consultation is rather multi-layered and has great health promoting potential.