title: A comprehensive and efficient process for counseling patients desiring sterilization.
abstract: To optimize the time spent counseling a sterilization patient, this article presents a 10-step process that includes all steps necessary to ensure a comprehensive counseling session: (1) Discuss current contraception use and all available methods; (2) assess the client's interest in/readiness for sterilization; (3) emphasize that the procedure is meant to be permanent, but there is a possibility of failure; (4) explain the surgical procedure using visuals, and include a discussion of benefits and risks; (5) explain privately to the client the need to use condoms if engaging in risky sexual activity; (6) have the client read and sign an informed consent form; (7) schedule an appointment for the procedure and provide the patient with a copy of all necessary paperwork; (8) discuss cost and payment method; (9) provide written preoperative and postoperative instructions; and (10) schedule a postoperation visit, or a postoperation semen analysis.
authors.affiliation: United States Programs, AVSC International, New York City, USA.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Haws
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Butta
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Girvin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D003657:Decision Making; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D013246:Sterilization, Tubal / Q000191:economics / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D014659:Vasectomy / Q000191:economics / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology