Implementation of reproductive life planning (RLP) in primary health care supported by an evidence-based website

Abstract

Objectives: The aims of the study were to evaluate how well the reproductive life plan (RLP) tool was implemented in practice and explore the utility of the website www.reproduktivlivsplan.se for patient counselling.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018, in which 73 midwives in primary health care were asked to use the RLP tool and the website in their daily practice. Three months later, participants answered a questionnaire, based on normalisation process theory (NPT), about their implementation experience.Results: The response rate was 73% (n = 53). The mean length of midwifery experience was 15 years. Almost all respondents (89%) reported a positive attitude towards the tool and the website and their ability to use them in practice. The majority agreed to all statements about implementation of the RLP, according to NPT. Use of the RLP also made it easier for midwives to support clients in forming reproductive goals (85%, n = 45), give family planning advice (81%, n = 43), give advice about how to improve health before pregnancy (85%, n = 45) and give advice about how to preserve fertility (89%, n = 47). Nine out of ten respondents said they would recommend the website to other midwives.Conclusion: The RLP was well implemented among the respondents and the majority considered the website to be a useful tool. Long-term studies are needed to further elucidate the effects of the RLP on changes in health behaviour and pregnancy outcomes.