Improving Knowledge of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception in an Adolescent and Young Adult Female Population

Abstract

ObjectiveTo improve adolescent and young adult clients’ knowledge of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods by standardizing the education they received at an outpatient clinic. DesignThe Plan-Do-Study-Act was used as a framework to implement and evaluate a practice change aimed at improving the contraceptive education provided to adolescent and young women. Setting/Local ProblemThis single-center quality improvement project took place at a community-based clinic in the Northeastern United States where clinicians’ practice for contraceptive counseling lacked use of a standardized educational tool. ParticipantsThirty female participants between the ages of 14 and 25. Intervention/MeasurementsA pre- and postintervention survey was used to assess participants’ knowledge of LARC methods after viewing an online video. A focus group of clinicians was held to assess their thoughts on the use of the video education. ResultsSurvey results indicated improved knowledge of participants on all six knowledge points assessed in the survey. Focus group feedback indicated the video education was considered sustainable and desired by clinicians for an additional year and Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle. ConclusionOnline, video-based education may be an effective and sustainable way to provide adolescent and young adult clinic clients with evidence-based information on LARC methods to help them make informed decisions about contraception.