Finally, “although providers universally told us that women can call them if they have problems with their method …, women did not always report that they felt that they could call the providers with questions,” Dr. Frost said. Among women who said that they could call a provider with questions, 21% had gaps in contraceptive use, compared with 39% of the women who said that they could not call their provider. And inconsistent pill use was related to low levels of patient satisfaction and continuity of care.
Among the women who were very satisfied with their provider, 34% had inconsistent pill use, compared with 47% of those who were not very satisfied. Inconsistent pill use was seen among 36% of the women who usually saw the same physician, compared with 51% of those who did not.
“Many providers might benefit from communication training that can improve client provider interactions,” Dr. Frost said. “Finally, although it may appear self-evident, it is important for providers to confirm that all questions have been answered, and that clients feel that they have an easy way to contact the office of the provider with additional questions or problems with their method.”
The studies were supported by grants from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Dr. Frost stated that she had no conflicting commercial relationships.
Contemporary Forums and this news organization are both owned by Elsevier.
Patient survey results were published in three articles appearing in Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health (2007;39:48–55, 2007;39:90–9, and 2008;40:94–104). Results of the provider survey were published in Contraception (2008;78:42–51). Links to these articles are available at www.guttmacher.org
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