Evaluation of a fertility awareness-based shared decision-making tool part 1: Study design and impact on clinician knowledge

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a Shared Decision-Making (SDM) tool for fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) of family planning. METHODS: Clinicians familiar with at least one FABM were randomly invited to participate in a prospective cross-over study to compare usual practice to the use of the SDM tool when discussing FABMs with patients. Patients completed surveys pre- and post-office visit and six months later. The primary outcome explored the effect of online education on use of the SDM tool on clinicians' knowledge of FABMs. RESULTS: Of 278 clinicians contacted, 54% could not be reached, and 15% did not provide women's health services. The 26 clinicians enrolled were experienced, with more than half recommending FABMs for ≥10 years, and 73% recommending more than one FABM to patients. Knowledge scores significantly improved after online training and use of the SDM tool (baseline mean score = 9.54 (scale of 0–12); post-training mean score = 10.73, p < 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Education about FABMs and training on use of the SDM tool improved knowledge scores even among an experienced cohort of clinicians. INNOVATION: The novel SDM tool can better equip clinicians to meet the rising patient interest in FABMs.