Techniques of Family Planning Counselling

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Techniques of Family Planning Counselling

• Presented by Joan Meade
• September 2006

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Family Planning Definition

• Practices that help individuals and couples to
  determine the number, timing and spacing of
  children
• Achieved through contraception and treatment of
  involuntary infertility

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Family Planning Communication

• A two-way process characterised by an exchange of
  ideas and discussion
• Helps client make voluntary, informed choice
• Ensures acceptance, compliance, continuation and
  satisfaction

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Informed Choice and Consent

• Informed Choice The right and ability to choose
  a contraceptive based on a clear understanding of
  the risks and benefits of different methods
• Informed Consent the right and ability to
  decide whether to undergo a medical procedure
  based on a clear understanding of the risks and
  benefits

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Clients Needs

• Clear, accurate information
• Information on range of options
• Ability to make own decision

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Provider Action

• Provide information
• Help client assess reproductive goals
• Guide client through method choice
• Avoid expressing personal preferences or
  pressuring client

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Essentials of Communication

• Must include
• Benefits
• Risks
• Alternatives to method
• Inquiries
• Decision to withdraw
• Explanation
• Documentation

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Principles

• Be yourself genuine, calm, responsive
• Do not make assumptions and categorise
• Empathise
• Listen quietly but actively
• Let the client take the initiative
• Ask open ended questions

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Principles (contd.)

• When you ask a question, wait for an answer
• See things through the eyes of the client
• Listen for emotions and respond to feelings
• Point out consequences of each choice
• Do not solve the problem for the client

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The Process

• Time spent on communication will depend on
  client characteristics
• Is this the clients first visit or is he or she
  returning?
• What are the clients needs and reproductive
  goals?
• What is the clients lifestyle and life stage?

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Steps in the Process

• Greet clients
• Ask clients about themselves
• Tell clients about family planning methods
• Help client choose method
• Explain to client about method of choice
• Return for follow-up

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Building Relationships

• Good communication builds a relationship with
  clients, allows them to retain more of the
  information and presents a good impression of the
  provider

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Building Relationships (contd.)

• Provider Characteristics That Build Relationships
• Respect
• Understanding
• Trust
• Honesty

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Non-verbal Communication

• Pay full attention
• Use facial expressions that show interest and
  concern
• Use encouraging gestures

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Tips for Non-verbal Communication

• Relax
• Open and approachable
• Lean towards client
• Eye contact
• Sit squarely and smile

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Verbal Communication

• Use appropriate tone of voice
• Give verbal encouragement
• Ask questions
• Paraphrase and reflect feelings

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Tips for Verbal Communication

• Clarify
• Listen
• Encourage
• Acknowledge feelings
• Reflect and Repeat

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Tips for Verbal Communication (contd.)

• Translate technical information into simple
  language
• Keep
• It
• Short
• Simple

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Role of Simple language

• Improves communication
• Prevents misunderstanding
• Avoids intimidation and confusion

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Remember

• Ensure privacy and confidentiality
• Adopt client-centred, interactive approach
• Give individualised attention and information
• Maintain unbiased attitude to clients and
  contraceptive methods
• Have technical knowledge and skills
• Know when to refer