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

Abstract

To assess patient experiences using a Shared Decision-Making (SDM) Tool for fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) of family planning. 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. 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). Use of the SDM tool increased persistent use of and satisfaction with chosen FABMs at six months. The novel SDM tool can enhance patients' understanding and facilitate the selection of a more suitable method leading to increased satisfaction.