Patient perceptions of a decision support tool to assist with young women’s contraceptive choice

Abstract Objective Contraceptive decision support tools (DSTs) have been suggested as a way to provide patient-centered contraceptive care, but little is known about the role they play in women’s decision-making. The aim of this study is to understand patients’ perceptions of the value of a contraceptive DST. Methods We conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with unmarried women aged 18–29 from an integrated health care system who viewed the DST. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify common themes in the participants’ experience. Results Four themes were identified: Informative; Narrowing down options; Tool vs. doctor; and Preparation for a clinical visit. In general, participants felt the tool was valuable because it provided them relevant information and facilitated their decision-making process by narrowing down contraceptive options. Participants felt the tool could prepare them for a visit with their health care provider by helping them identify questions for their provider, but also saw distinctions between the DST and what their provider could offer. Conclusion Contraceptive DSTs are valuable to their users when they include information on contraceptive attributes women deem important and allow for user-driven tailoring. Practice implications Contraceptive DSTs may address patient informational needs and can serve as a complement to provider counseling.