Patient perceptions of contraceptive service quality and the association with willingness to return to provider: A mixed methods pilot study
Contraception
Awarded 2023
Emerging Scholars in Family Planning
Minji Kang, MPH
University of Illinois Chicago
$7,500

The proposed mixed-methods research project aims to evaluate the quality of person-centered contraceptive care delivery at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Illinois. These centers are committed to serving a racially diverse patient population in need of affordable, high-quality care through person-centered practices. Unpublished preliminary data have indicated that almost 30% of the patient population is not receiving high-quality person-centered contraceptive care, although providers are trained in its delivery. The continued history of reproductive care mistreatment, particularly among patients of color or low income, indicates a necessary evaluation of quality and person-centeredness. Sufficient evidence in the literature demonstrates that person-centered practices in other clinical disciplines lead to more satisfied patients, which precedes better clinical outcomes, higher trust in physicians, and efficient healthcare system utilization. This study aims to 1) quantitatively assess the current state of perceived contraceptive counseling quality and the various factors that may be associated with it, 2) quantitatively assess the relationship between perceived quality and patient outcomes, and 3) explore patient perspectives on high-quality person-centered contraceptive care and the variations of experience through mixed methods. This research could identify critical factors associated with high-quality care perception, provide insight into the current care quality status, and provide further evidence for the importance of person-centered practices. Rich details from the patient perspective can help investigators better understand patient needs and identify potential best practices for provider training in person-centered care.