Implementation of Title X Family Planning Services in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study of a Primary Care Network in Georgia.

Abstract

There is increasing interest and value in integrating family planning services into primary care. Title X services provide an opportunity to expand low-cost access to these services. This study sought to identify and describe implementation factors that influenced the integration of a package of Title X services into a unique primary care setting within a Georgia primary care network whose community health center sites are primarily federally qualified health centers. We used an implementation science approach and were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. From December 2019 to September 2020, we conducted interviews with administrators and providers working at grantee and sub-grantee organizations about their experiences integrating Title X services into their existing practice. Factors associated with the Inner Setting were especially important for integrating Title X in these settings. Participants identified specific needs related to resources such as electronic medical record (EMR) and reporting templates. Contextually specific clinical training for provision of long-acting reversible contraception and sexual health counseling, as well as administrative training for reporting and documentation efforts, was particularly needed. Grantee and sub-grantee organizations were able to leverage internal and external networks and adaptations to the intervention to successfully implement Title X services and to expand reach to new clients. Integrating family planning into primary care may expand access to low-income and underserved populations. Approaches that incorporate flexibility and provide tailored resources for primary care settings such as EMR and reporting templates and trainings, and that leverage multiple forms of support and knowledge sharing, may be particularly important for helping to implement Title X services.