BEYOND BARRIERS: REIMAGINING ACCESS TO POST-PREGNANCY CONTRACEPTION A GUIDE FOR BEST PRACTICE
contributed to increased uptake. Cultural sensitivity, use of interpreters, and easy-read leaflets all supported the goal of equitable care.” Specialist Midwife, Gloucestershire In Sheffield, findings from focus groups highlighted how women felt sources of information did not meet their needs, were often inaccessible or culturally inappropriate: “I see this list of contraception types and what it means, but again, where we come from, whatever original country we are coming from, there are some other contraception types we use there, so maybe also need to be explored.” Patient, Sheffield This was supported by the experience of providers in Gloucestershire: “Best practice involves providing information in multiple languages, using interpreters where necessary, and employing culturally competent approaches that respect beliefs and individual decision-making. Materials should be clear, visually supported, and inclusive, accommodating varying levels of health literacy.” Specialist Midwife, Gloucestershire In Bradford along with other services, the PPC service produced local patient information leaflets with the aim to improve the women’s understanding about the wide range of contraception options available to them. These leaflets were available in different languages and were promoted in waiting areas, on the website, and could be accessed via QR code. Posters were also put up in the antenatal clinic encouraging clinicians to talk to women about contraception at antenatal appointments. The patient information leaflet from Barts NHS Trust also designed large print versions of their leaflet. In compiling this report, several NHS Trusts shared examples of their patient information leaflets. These are linked in the resources section and can be amended for use in other services. Overall, contributors outlined an acute need to improve the health literacy of women around their reproductive health and in particular about contraceptive methods where there is a notable deficiency in accessible information. This health illiteracy is not unique to post-pregnancy and reflects a dearth of access to accurate information on reproductive health in an age of growing misinformation, particularly online, a phenomenon that Hatfield Vision Ambassador, Dr Aziza Sesay, and others are working hard to combat. Contributors were in agreement that improved health literacy on PPC can help engage women with wider public health goals, improve health education, and encourage them to take responsibility for their overall health in the future.
Recommendation 7 Ensure Access to Evidence-Based, Accurate Information on Contraception Access to accurate reliable information on contraception can facilitate women’s informed choice of method dispel myths and empower them to self advocate for improved health. . Information should be available in different languages and formats and should be culturally sensitive. This report links to examples of information provision.
8. The Importance of Efficient Digital
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Infrastructure for Guiding, Recording, Monitoring and Evaluating PPC Services
Quality NHS digital infrastructure has also emerged as a critical factor to enabling delivery of consistent and crucially efficient PPC services by contributors. This aligns closely with the Government’s commitment in the 10- Year Health Plan to transition from analogue systems to a digital approach, enhancing service efficiency and accessibility. For example, successful PPC services are utilising digital technology, such as using shared electronic records to improve the patient and staff experiences: “Technology has also emerged as a critical enabler in delivering consistent contraceptive care.” Specialist Midwife, Gloucestershire For example, in Bradford, digital solutions have allowed midwives to record and audit contraception discussions alongside other core maternity indicators. However limited NHS digital infrastructure is preventing it reaching its full potential: “BTHFT [Bradford] have produced a comprehensive display about the different forms of contraception, mode of action, criteria for eligibility, side-effects and how to obtain and administer, for every ward responsible for discharging women. It is hoped that this will increase effective contraceptive counselling and uptake but is only possible with adjustments to the computer system.” Consultant Obstetrician, Bradford Similarly, insights from Gloucestershire show that when midwives are supported with streamlined documentation, online contraception booking platforms, and decision-making tools, both uptake and engagement with post-pregnancy contraception services significantly improve.
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