Patient satisfaction with 3 methods of postpartum contraceptive counseling: a randomized, prospective trial

Abstract

Objective: To compare patient satisfaction with 3 different postpartum contraceptive counseling methods.

Study design: Randomized, prospective trial in an urban medical center. Patients were randomized to receive physician-patient counseling, written literature or an educational video. The main outcome variable was patient satisfaction with the contraceptive teaching method. Patient satisfaction was analyzed as a categorical variable and compared with chi2 tests. Secondary outcomes were compared with chi2 tests and ANOVA.

Results: Greater than 90% of patients in each arm were satisfied with the contraceptive counseling that they received. Patients receiving physician-patient counseling expressed a 99% satisfaction rate (p = 0.044). African American (98.2%) and Hispanic (93.5%) patients were more satisfied than Caucasian (83.3%) patients (p = 0.026). Satisfaction with contraceptive counseling decreased with age.

Conclusion: An organized program of contraceptive counseling provides adequate information for patients to be comfortable with their decision about their postpartum contraceptive method. Patients were most satisfied with physician counseling.