Client Perspectives on Contraceptive Care: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Contraceptive care is an opportunity for providers to help clients achieve their reproductive health goals. Client-centeredness is a core element of quality care; however, evidence suggests that the provision of client-centered contraceptive counseling needs improvement. This systematic review summarizes recent evidence on client preferences related to contraceptive care, including how client-centered approaches inform outcomes.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus to identify articles published between December 1, 2016 and May 1, 2023. Studies that explored client preferences related to contraceptive counseling, education, and/or care, and how client-centered approaches impact clients' perceived experiences with their care were included.

Results: Thirty-nine unique studies met inclusion criteria. Clients want a range of information about contraceptive methods tailored to their preferences through a variety of formats, before, during, and after their appointment. Clients desired providers with similar demographic backgrounds (gender, race, ethnicity) and life experiences (menstruation, contraceptive use, carceral system encounters) to themselves, and who are willing to offer continuous care. Clients reported greater satisfaction when providers engaged in shared decision-making, utilized decision support tools, and supported their autonomy, including prioritizing their family-building goals. When providers shared personal preferences or pressured clients to select one method over another, clients in turn, reported feeling conflicted about which method to select and some subsequently declined using any method.

Discussion: The variation in client preferences highlight the importance of offering tailored, comprehensive information that supports decision-making, prioritizes client autonomy, and recognizes positive interpersonal relationships with providers.

Trial Registration: Prospero: CRD42023414456 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=414456.