Options Counseling Research Articles

Communication and Counseling Preferences of Women Who Chose Abortion During Adolescence: A Qualitative Study

Study ObjectiveAs part of a larger study about pregnancy options counseling with adolescents, we interviewed women in the United States who chose abortion during adolescence about preferences and experiences regarding communication from healthcare professionals during abortion care. Design, Setting, and ParticipantsWe conducted individual semi-structured interviews with women ages 18-35 years old who were pregnant before age 20 years old and chose abortion. We recruited participants through social media, a research registry, and flyers in healthcare facilities. We recorded and transcribed interviews. Two investigators coded interview transcripts using thematic analysis. ResultsWe conducted interviews with 17 US women (median age 32 years old, range 20-35 years old) from 11/2020-4/2021. The median age at time of abortion was 18 years old (range 14-19 years). The sample was 58% (n = 10) Caucasian and 65% (n = 11) heterosexual. Themes included: 1) Participants perceived options counseling before abortion as important and necessary but did not always feel they personally needed it. 2) Participants reported that clinicians including nurses, physicians, and other staff sometimes had poor bedside manner, which was not aligned with their perceived need for gentleness due to their adolescence. 3) Participants valued nonjudgmental communication including normalization of abortion care. 4) Participants desired privacy and confidentiality throughout their clinic appointment, but clinic logistics led to concerns about limited privacy. 5) Participants appreciated medically accurate information about abortion in plain language balancing safety and risk information for reducing fear before the procedure. ConclusionResponses suggested specific best practices that healthcare providers can adopt to improve care for youth considering abortion.

Change in Medical Students’ Attitudes Towards Family Planning After Pregnancy Counseling Panel Intervention

Purpose: This study evaluates changes in medical students’ attitudes after a virtual pregnancy counseling panel intervention during pre-clinical medical education at Indiana University School of Medicine. We hypothesized that students would feel more comfortable counseling and treating patients for unplanned pregnancy after attending the virtual panel. Methods: Students participated in a “Pregnancy Options Panel” during their second-year course covering reproductive health. The panel consisted of five health professionals: two complex family planning fellowship-trained physicians, an obstetrician gynecologist that does not perform abortions, a pediatrician with adolescent health training, and a licensed clinical social worker with expertise in adoption. The panelists discussed appropriate care for patients diagnosed with unintended pregnancy. Two identical 19-item surveys consisting of multiple-choice and open-ended questions were electronically disseminated before and after the panel to assess students’ comfort and beliefs about family planning counseling and treatment. A $10 gift card incentive was given to all students who completed both surveys. The survey asked students to rank their comfort on a Likert scale from zero to five with zero being “not comfortable at all” and five being “very comfortable” after considering the following question: “Assuming you have the knowledge and training required, if a patient presents in her first trimester requesting an abortion of a normal pregnancy, indicate how comfortable you would feel a) referring the patient to an abortion provider, b) prescribing an ‘abortion pill,’ and c) performing a surgical abortion?” Students were asked the same question under the circumstance of a fetal anomaly incompatible with life or pregnancy posing a life-threatening risk to the mother. Students were furthermore asked to report how they believe a doctor should behave while counseling patients with unintended pregnancy (i.e., having a neutral status or disclosing their personal beliefs). Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric statistics (Wilcoxon signed rank and McNemar’s test) to compare before and after responses of participants. Results: The second-year medical school class enrolled in the reproductive health course at Indiana University was composed of 366 students with 189 students (51.6%) identifying as female. Of the 366 students, 207 (60.5%) completed the survey before the panel and 181 (49.5%) completed the survey after the panel. The demographics of the students who completed both surveys before and after the panel (171 students, 46.7%) were as follows: 60.6% female, 37.6% male, 64.9% white, 2.9% black, 84.6% non-Hispanic, and 10.7% Hispanic. After the pregnancy panel, students reported increased comfort when contemplating referral to an abortion provider, prescribing a medication abortion, and performing a surgical abortion compared to prior to the panel (p<0.01, all comparisons). Students felt more comfortable referring a patient to an abortion provider (p<0.01), prescribing an abortion pill (p=0.02), and performing a surgical abortion (p=0.05) knowing the fetus had a condition incompatible with life or the mother’s life was at risk after the educational intervention. In addition, students were more likely to withhold disclosing their personal beliefs about abortion when counseling a pregnant patient (64.6% vs 42.3%, p<0.01), felt more capable of approaching the conversation about pregnancy options in a genuinely neutral manner (86.4% vs 71.6%, p<0.01), and had a significant increase in preparedness to counsel on continuing pregnancy, abortion, and adoption (p<0.01). There was no change in students’ beliefs when considering if it is ethical for a physician to advocate their position on abortion when counseling a patient, as 90.0% and 95.3% answered “No” before and after the panel, respectively (p=0.08). Conclusions: Our pregnancy options counseling panel effectively guided students through a common reproductive health scenario counseling a patient who has been diagnosed with unintended pregnancy. Second year preclinical medical students felt more prepared to counsel patients neutrally and without influence of their own beliefs after attending the educational event. Students additionally felt more comfortable referring to an abortion provider, prescribing a medical abortion, and performing a surgical abortion after the panel, emphasizing how exposure to family planning scenarios can influence future physicians’ comfort providing non-judgmental counseling and abortion care. Expert panels comprised of health professionals with diverse clinical and social perspectives on pregnancy options can serve as an instructional model for preparing medical students for their obstetric and gynecological clinical clerkship and improving pre-clinical medical curriculum on the often-neglected topic of abortion.

Change in Medical Students' Attitudes Towards Family Planning After Pregnancy Counseling Panel Intervention [ID 2683614

INTRODUCTION: Abortion is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States, but abortion education is lacking in medical curricula. This study evaluates changes in medical students’ attitudes after a pregnancy counseling panel intervention during preclinical medical education. METHODS: Second-year medical students participated in a “Pregnancy Options Panel” with obstetrician–gynecologists, a pediatrician, and a social worker. Using a case study format, panelists guided discussion of appropriate care for a patient diagnosed with an unintended pregnancy. Two identical 19-item surveys were disseminated before and after the panel to assess students’ comfort/beliefs about pregnancy counseling and treatment. Statistical analyses were performed to compare responses. The study was IRB exempt. RESULTS: The class was composed of 366 students: 207 (60.5%) completed the pre-survey and 181 (49.5%) completed the post-survey. Students reported increased comfort when contemplating referral to an abortion provider, prescribing medication abortion, and performing a surgical abortion after the panel compared to before the panel (P<.01). Students were more likely to withhold disclosing their personal beliefs about abortion when counseling a pregnant patient (64.6% versus 42.3%; P<.01), felt more capable of counseling patients in a neutral manner (86.4% versus 71.6%; P<.01), and had a significant increase in preparedness to pregnancy options counseling (P<.01). CONCLUSION: Medical students felt more prepared to counsel patients without bias of their own beliefs after the pregnancy options counseling panel. Expert panels comprised of health professionals with diverse perspectives on pregnancy options can improve preclinical medical curriculum on the often-neglected topic of abortion.

Assessment of Pregnancy Desires for Patients With Pregnancy of Unknown Location Seen in the Emergency Department [ID 2683447

INTRODUCTION: Desire for pregnancy should be centered in all discussions surrounding pregnancy management, including management of pregnancy of unknown location (PUL). Little is known about the evaluation of pregnancy desires for patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) found to have PUL. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients presenting to a tertiary-care ED with a positive pregnancy test and previously unconfirmed intrauterine pregnancy in the first trimester between January 2020 and December 2022. We excluded patients with chief complaints regarding known intrauterine pregnancy. The primary outcome was documentation of pregnancy desire by the ED provider. The secondary outcome was assessment of pregnancy desiredness by consulting gynecologic providers. Chi-squared and Fisher exact tests assessed for demographic variables. Institutional review board approval was obtained. RESULTS: Four hundred ninety-seven patients were included. Overall, only 105 (21.1%) of all patients and 12 (13.5%) patients with PUL were asked about pregnancy desiredness by the ED provider. While not statistically significant, patients with PUL had the lowest rate of being asked their pregnancy desires, compared to patients with confirmed intrauterine pregnancy (22.7%), ongoing miscarriage (28.1%), or ectopic/adnexal pathology (20.0%) (P=.15). Of those asked, 11 patients (10.5%) reported the pregnancy was undesired and 7 (6.7%) were unsure. There were no significant associations between asking pregnancy desires and age, race, ethnicity, parity, insurance, and language. For patients added to the beta book and followed by gynecology, 59.3% of patients were asked about their pregnancy desires. CONCLUSION: This study highlights gaps in early pregnancy evaluation and counseling, with only one in five patients asked their pregnancy desires. Patients with adnexal pathology and PUL had among the lowest rates of counseling, compared to those with ongoing miscarriage. This research suggests a missed opportunity for comprehensive pregnancy options counseling and management in the ED and the potential for improvement of care for patients with undesired PUL.

Assessing Patient's Feelings About Their Pregnancy: A Preliminary Qualitative Exploration of Conversations Between Obstetric Clinicians and Pregnant Patients at the First Prenatal Visit [ID 2683659

INTRODUCTION: During the first prenatal visit, some patients may feel overwhelmed, ambivalent, or undecided about continuing the pregnancy. Understanding a patient’s feelings about the pregnancy can allow obstetric clinicians to offer support, resources, and options. Few studies have empirically examined how obstetric providers assess patient’s feelings about their pregnancy. METHODS: We analyzed transcripts of audio-recorded patient–obstetric clinician first obstetric visits for discussions exploring the patient’s feelings, intentions, or desires regarding their pregnancy. These discussions were then coded for content and communication approach. RESULTS: We coded 100 transcribed visits. Discussions about pregnancy intent, desire, or feelings occurred in 70 visits. In 11 visits, the clinician used an open-ended neutral question (eg, “how are you feeling about this pregnancy?”). Fifteen clinicians expressed assumptions about the patient’s feelings regarding the pregnancy (eg, “congratulations!”). Fifty-seven clinicians specifically asked about intendedness (eg, “Was this a planned pregnancy?). Twenty-one addressed the topic with leading statements (eg, “but you want to keep the baby, right?”). Of the 53 patients that admitted to an unplanned pregnancy, only 42 (79%) of these conversations were further explored—29 (54%) specifically only asked about patient’s desire to continue the pregnancy; 13 (24%) provided additional options counseling, information, or support. CONCLUSION: Few obstetric clinicians explored the feelings and desires about the pregnancy during first obstetric visits. Further work is needed to explore improved methods of addressing how patients feel about their pregnancy.

“At the End of the Day it’s Their choice”: An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Pregnancy Options Counseling

ABSTRACT This study’s purpose was to explore the current models and approaches of pregnancy options counseling across three types of agency settings in a Northeastern state. Additionally, this study aimed to determine if individuals who receive pregnancy options counseling obtained medically factual, non-directive, and non-biased information needed to make informed decisions related to their pregnancy decisions. Using qualitative research methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants across three different agency settings in one state in the Northeastern United States. Results indicated agencies shared a definition of pregnancy options counseling. Outcomes also suggest agency type impacted how pregnancy options counseling was delivered, as variations were found in education provided to patients. Lastly, the interviews imply no standardized model or training for pregnancy options counselors is currently being used.

Termination counseling among US perinatal genetic counselors in the setting of second trimester fetal anomalies.

Many pregnant people learn of fetal anomalies in the second trimester and subsequently present to prenatal genetic counselors (PGCs) for counseling, including but not limited to a nuanced discussion about whether to continue or terminate pregnancy. In those who choose to terminate, the decision between dilation and evacuation (D&E) or induction is often one of patient preference and as such, is heavily influenced by the quality of counseling received. PGCs are expertly trained to provide values-based counseling, yet little is known about their termination counseling practices, referral practice patterns, and perceived responsibilities in caring for this group of pregnant people. To gain this knowledge, we surveyed a national sample of PGCs in early 2022 and received 70 completed responses. The survey contained open- and closed-ended questions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and free response data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Eighty percent (n = 56) of respondents reported that <50% of their patients had previously received termination options counseling. Most strikingly, 15% of respondents provided termination counseling that was beyond their self-identified comfort level. Scenario-based questions assessed respondents' counseling practice patterns in seven real-world situations, presented in order of decreasing severity for the fetus. Respondents were 50% less likely to provide termination options counseling to patients between the most lethal to the least lethal proposed fetal anomaly. The scenario-based analysis revealed two distinct termination counseling approaches: (1) all options counseling with an explicit discussion of options to continue or terminate and (2) discretionary options counseling focused on identifying patient preferences to guide counseling and not explicitly stating all available options. This study highlights the need to ensure PGCs feel well-trained to discuss the general features of second trimester pregnancy termination and, if unable to do so, to practice in systems with timely referral to providers well-versed in the counseling about all methods of termination.

The practice of pregnancy options counseling in social service and healthcare settings in the United States: a systematic literature review

ABSTRACT Introduction The purpose of this systematic literature was to summarize the literature on pregnancy options counseling for women and patients who experience an unintended pregnancy across healthcare and social service settings. Methods We conducted a systematic literature review using the PRISMA Checklist. Following the literature search of 8 electronic databases, we used a three-stage search process to screen articles for inclusion. Results A total of 20 peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria for this study. Half (n = 10) of the articles reviewed were empirical studies utilizing quantitative or qualitative methodology while the other half (n = 10) were conceptual or non-empirical. The articles affirmed a shared definition of pregnancy options counseling, but terminology differences were noted over time. Lastly, variations of intervention practices appeared across practice settings, with referral practice variations being the most notable. Conclusion Pregnancy options counseling practices varied across settings, suggesting patients who received this intervention may not have accessed equitable or ethical care.

PROVIDING DEMENTIA CARE ACROSS LOW-RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

Abstract The growing number of persons living with dementia (PLWD) require ongoing care and supportive services, but dementia care access and quality are more limited in communities with fewer health resources and these limitations are exacerbated by current dementia care workforce shortages. Across low-resource communities—including poorer urban and rural settings—health resources tend to be limited and PLWD are predominantly socioeconomically disadvantaged and have few personal financial resources to contribute to care provision. Although there is growing evidence about the consequences of care inequities for PLWD, less is known about key issues and opportunities for improving dementia care in low-resource communities. This symposium features presentations that highlight unique social and economic challenges and opportunities for providing dementia care in low-resource communities. The first presenter reports results from a community-based, participatory research study in four long-term care settings in federally designated medically underserved areas (two rural, two urban) that highlights strategies used by long-term care providers to recruit and retain dementia care staff and describes their perspectives on quality dementia care. The second presenter shares findings from an innovative pilot program of case management services to address challenges of PLWD who are living alone in the community through collaboration with local paramedicine services. The third presenter provides an overview of the Person-Centered Options Counseling Certification program with a discussion on strategies for implementing person-centered dementia care initiatives in low-resource communities. This symposium reveals complexities in providing care for PLWD in diverse low-resource communities and generates directions for addressing dementia care inequities.

194 Development of a Mastery Learning Checklist for Pregnancy Disclosure and Options Counseling in the Emergency Department

194 Development of a Mastery Learning Checklist for Pregnancy Disclosure and Options Counseling in the Emergency Department

"I mean, I didn't really have a choice of anything:" How incarceration influences abortion decision-making and precludes access in the United States.

To understand how the punitive, rights-limiting, and racially stratified environment of incarceration in the United States (US) shapes the abortion desires, access, and pregnancy experiences of pregnant women, transgender men, and gender non-binary individuals. From May 2018-November 2020, we conducted semi-structured, qualitative interviews with pregnant women in prisons and jails in an abortion supportive and an abortion restrictive state. Interviews explored whether participants considered abortion for this pregnancy; attempted to obtain an abortion in custody; whether and how incarceration affected their thoughts about pregnancy, birth, parenting, and abortion; and options counseling and prenatal care experiences, or lack thereof, in custody. The conditions of incarceration deeply shaped our 39 participants' abortion and pregnancy decisions, with some experiencing pregnancy continuation as punishment. Four themes emerged: (1) medical providers' overt obstruction of desired abortions; (2) participants assuming that incarcerated women had no right to abortion; (3) carceral bureaucracy constraining abortion access; and (4) carceral conditions made women wish they had aborted. Themes were similar in supportive and restrictive states. Incarceration shaped participants' thoughts about pregnancy and their abilities to access abortion, consider whether abortion was an attainable option, and make pregnancy-related decisions. These subtle carceral control aspects presented more frequent barriers to abortion than overt logistical ones. The carceral environment played a more significant role than the state's overall abortion climate in shaping abortion experiences. Incarceration constrains and devalues reproductive wellbeing in punitive ways that are a microcosm of broader forces of reproductive control in US society.

A Focus on Contraception in the Wake of Dobbs.

A Focus on Contraception in the Wake of Dobbs.

Medical student-led implementation of preclinical abortion didactic session at a California medical school

BackgroundFormal education surrounding abortion care during pre-clinical years of medical school is limited and will likely decrease with the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This study describes and evaluates the impact of an original abortion didactic session implemented during the pre-clinical years of medical school.MethodsWe implemented a didactic session at the University of California Irvine outlining abortion epidemiology, pregnancy options counseling, standard abortion care, and the current legislative landscape surrounding abortion. The preclinical session also included an interactive, small group case-based discussion. Pre-session and post-session surveys were obtained to evaluate changes in participants’ knowledge and attitudes and to collect feedback for future sessions.Results92 matched pre- and post-session surveys were completed and analyzed (response rate 77%). The majority of the respondents identified themselves as more “pro-choice” compared to “pro-life” on the pre-session survey. Results reflected significantly increased comfort discussing abortion care and significantly increased knowledge about abortion prevalence and techniques after the session. Qualitative feedback was overwhelmingly positive and reflected participants’ appreciation for the focus on the medical aspects of abortion care as opposed to an ethical discussion.ConclusionsAbortion education targeted to preclinical medical students can be implemented effectively by a medical student cohort with institutional support.

The Fall of Roe v. Wade: The Addiction Specialist's Role in Championing Reproductive Rights.

Reproductive age-pregnant individuals who use substances are disproportionately impacted by the US Supreme Court reversal of Roe v. Wade. Because of historic and ongoing discrimination against pregnant individuals who use substances, this group is at high risk for inadequate pregnancy options counseling and lack of access to safe and legal abortions. Fetal rights laws set a concerning precedent that further criminalize and penalize substance use in pregnancy. As addiction specialists, we have the professional responsibility to champion the reproductive freedoms of pregnant individuals who use substances. There are several ways that addiction specialists can uphold the reproductive rights of patients on an individual, state, and federal level, including the following: incorporate reproductive healthcare into addiction practices, help those seeking abortion navigate barriers, partner with perinatal healthcare clinicians to provide evidence-based addiction treatment during pregnancy, and support decriminalization and destigmatization of substance use, especially in pregnancy.

Preferences and Experiences Regarding Pregnancy Options Counseling in Adolescence and Young Adulthood: A Qualitative Study

PurposePerspectives of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) experiencing pregnancy options counseling (POC) are absent from the literature. This study explores AYA experiences and preferences related to POC to inform best practice guidelines. MethodsWe conducted semistructured phone interviews in 2020–2021 among US-based individuals, 18–35 years old, who experienced a pregnancy less than 20 years of age. We performed qualitative descriptive analysis of positive and negative attributes of AYA's experiences with POC. ResultsFifty participants reported 59 pregnancies (16 parenting, 19 abortions, 18 adoptions, three miscarriages) between the ages of 13 and 19 years. Positive attributes of POC experienced included: (1) provider communication that was compassionate, respectful, supportive, and attentive to nonverbal cues; (2) provider neutrality; (3) discussion of all pregnancy options; (4) asking about feelings, choice, life plans, and additional supports; (5) provision of informational materials; and (6) warm handoffs/follow-up facilitation. Negative attributes of POC experienced included: (1) judgmental, impersonal, or absent communication; (2) lack of counseling on all options and/or coercive/directive counseling; (3) insufficient time and supportive resources; and (4) confidentiality concerns. We identified no differences in these perspectives across pregnancy outcomes reported. Participants generally desired counseling about all options, with rare exceptions of ambivalence. DiscussionIndividuals who experienced an adolescent pregnancy described similar positive and negative attributes of POC regardless of preferred pregnancy outcome. Their perspectives highlight how crucial interpersonal communication skills are for effective POC for AYA. POC training across health care specialties should emphasize confidential, compassionate, and nonjudgmental care for AYA patients.

Dilation and evacuation with intrauterine device placement in a patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia: A case report

Introduction: Pregnant leukemia patients should be offered continuation or termination of pregnancy. Treatment of leukemia in reproductive-age patients includes consideration of contraception. Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) prevent pregnancy and decrease menstrual bleeding. Despite safety data for IUDs in immunocompromised patients, infection and vaginal bleeding concerns may inhibit their placement. Case Report: We report a case of a 28-year-old female at 13 weeks 4 days gestation with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) who presented with coagulopathy. When stabilized, dilation and evacuation (D and E) with levonorgestrel IUD placement was performed. The postoperative course was uncomplicated. Despite chemotherapy and neutropenia, this APL patient tolerated D and E with levonorgestrel IUD placement well with only routine preoperative antibiotics. Conclusion: Comprehensive options counseling for pregnant patients with new APL diagnoses are imperative, and interdisciplinary consideration of risks for individual patient concerns of pregnancy prevention during treatment with teratogenic potential, avoidance of combined hormonal contraception (CHC) coagulopathy risk, and menstrual bleeding reduction in the setting of pancytopenia with levonorgestrel IUD contraception management in immunocompromised patients may be considered.

Equipoise: Ethical Considerations for Pregnancy Options Counseling

Pregnancy options counseling is an intervention that supports individuals who are struggling with making decisions related to an unintended pregnancy and typically occurs within medical and social service agencies across the United States. This intervention is important, as nearly 50% of pregnancies in the United States are unplanned or unintended. While little information is presently available on how pregnancy options counseling is practiced across settings, there are likely many opportunities where ethical dilemmas arise for the counselor. This paper will introduce pregnancy options counseling within medical and social service settings and identify ethical considerations for social workers and other helping professionals. The paper ends with a focus specifically on equipoise as a state of being. Keywords: Pregnancy options counseling; unplanned pregnancy; social work ethics; social work in health care; clinical social work; reproductive decision making

Sexual and reproductive health teaching in undergraduate medical education: A narrative review.

Contraception use, undesired pregnancy, and abortion care are common medical experiences that most physicians will encounter for their patients. Future physicians should therefore have some formal education on these topics. In this narrative review, we focused on how medical education approaches these sometimes polarizing yet fundamental topics. We assessed the published literature on sexual and reproductive health education in undergraduate medical education from 2000 to 2021, screening 868 articles and including 52 articles. We included articles that discussed contraception, emergency contraception, pregnancy options counseling, abortion, and ethics related to sexual and reproductive health. Included studies came from 14 countries and described both preclinical and clinical education. Studies assessed medical student knowledge, the effectiveness of educational interventions and medical school faculty perspectives on sexual and reproductive health curricula. Medical educators have employed a variety of approaches to teach sexual and reproductive health including simulation, objective structured clinical examinations, team-based learning, narrative medicine, online modules, and flipped classrooms. Students generally received sexual and reproductive health education favorably, demonstrating increased knowledge and comfort with these topics after an education session. Studies also identified curricular gaps and deficiencies in student knowledge, which may indicate a need for improved and consistent medical school education on contraception and abortion.

Shared decision-making aid to increase equity in the management of PPROM

Shared decision-making (SDM) and decision aids are recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to facilitate patient-centered, individualized informed consent and to meet the ethical standards of reproductive health decision making. We compared offering and acceptance of expectant management (EM) for prelabor premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) beyond 34w0d before and after implementation of a SDM aid in those who ruptured before 34w0d to assess for equity in options counseling.

Structured Engagement of Community Partners to Revise a Pregnancy Options Counseling Curriculum for Pediatric Residents.

The engagement of community partners, including patients, is increasingly recognized as important in developing medical education curricula. Structured methodology for partner engagement in curriculum development is lacking in the existing literature. This article describes a structured approach to engaging community partners to provide input on revising a curriculum for pediatric residents about pregnancy options counseling with adolescents. We used the five-step Method for Program Adaptation through Community Engagement: (1) development of a panel of community partners including patients and professionals, (2) and (3) partner evaluation of the existing curriculum and recommendations for revisions, (4) summarization of partner feedback, and (5) development of the revised curriculum. We surveyed partners about their perceived impact on the revision and satisfaction with the process. Seventeen partners participated. Five experienced adolescent pregnancy, while the remaining 12 included healthcare and social service professionals. All partners provided multiple recommendations, generating 124 discrete recommendations. Twenty recommendations were suggested by multiple individuals. The authors reviewed all recommendations by category during consensus meetings and determined which recommendations would be incorporated into the revised curriculum to meet stated learning objectives. We implemented 14 of these 20 recommendations, including adding a values clarification exercise, information about mental health crisis resources, and more detail about adoption. We also incorporated 15 individual recommendations pertaining to curriculum clarity. Recommendations from professionals and patients were similar. Fourteen out of 17 participants completed the survey at the close of the project. All respondents understood their roles, were satisfied with their degree of engagement, and felt that their expectations for participation were met or exceeded. This study describes a methodology for a formal process to engage community partners in curriculum development and revision processes. Such methodology can ensure that medical education curricula are optimally attuned to the needs of key community members and integrate the patient's voice.