The contraceptive consultation

Introduction: The contraceptive consultation differs across international healthcare systems in relation to the setting, scope of practice, provider-responsibility and the available time frame. The service may range from a straightforward repeat contraceptive pill script for a medically well long-term user to more complex situations which require consideration of multiple factors. These include personal circumstances and preferences, the medical history, access to ongoing services and cost considerations. Contraceptive advice may be provided opportunistically or be part of a planned consultation and the patient may be well informed about her or his options or conversely have minimal or even no prior knowledge. Despite this variability, the basic principles which should be embedded in any consultation include an evidence-based approach to assessment, advice and service provision and a patient-centred approach to contraceptive choice, regardless of life stage. Role of the healthcare practitioner: The role of the healthcare practitioner is to take a relevant medical and social history from the patient (Box 8.1).he history underpins the provision of balanced and easily understood contraceptive information to assist the patient in making an individually tailored and safe choice. Providing evidence-based information about the wide range of options at the same time as responding to the patient’s individual needs can present a challenge to practitioners. The key to a successful consultation is to ensure that the patient leaves with their contraceptive needs met, either with the immediate provision of a contraceptive method or a plan for initiation at a specified future date. This chapter provides guidance on how to fulfil this outcome