Evaluation of a fertility awareness-based shared decision-making tool part 2: Patient experiences

OBJECTIVE: To assess patient experiences using a Shared Decision-Making (SDM) Tool for fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) of family planning. METHODS: The study employed a prospective crossover design to evaluate impact of the SDM tool compared to usual practice when discussing FABMs with patients. Patients completed pre- and post-office visit surveys and an online survey six months later. The primary outcomes evaluated the effect of the SDM tool on patient satisfaction and FABM continuity of use rates. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in likelihood of changing family planning methods immediately after the office visit; however, by six months a significantly larger proportion of patients had started or changed FABMs in the experimental group (52%, 34/66) compared to the control group (36%, 24/66) (p = 0.04). Significantly more patients who used the tool and changed their FABM after their visit reported increased satisfaction with their FABM compared to control (50% vs. 17%, p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Use of the SDM tool increased persistent use of and satisfaction with chosen FABMs at six months. INNOVATIONS: The novel SDM tool can enhance patients' understanding and facilitate the selection of a more suitable method leading to increased satisfaction.