Peru: Tell clients how to use their chosen method

In 1998, the Peruvian Ministry of Health (MOH) issued quality of care norms to ensure that family planning providers respond to clients’ reproductive health care needs and goals. In mid-1999, the Population Council collaborated with the MOH on a study to determine whether length of counseling sessions affects amount of information provided. The study focused on 19 health centers in 10 urban areas. Six simulated clients (women posing as clients) made a total of 114 visits to the health centers during June–July 1999. Each client was trained to say that she wanted to switch from the rhythm method to a more effective method. After counseling, she chose the injectable Depo-Provera but stated that she wished to consult her husband before beginning use. To assess the quality of counseling, simulated clients completed a checklist after each visit, indicating what information had been given. This brief concludes that family planning providers in Peru need to focus more closely on giving clients relevant information on their chosen method and asking key questions to make the most effective use of the time available for client counseling