Using formal consensus methods to adapt World Health Organization Medical Eligibility Criteria for contraceptive use.
BACKGROUND
Most contraceptive users are medically fit and can use any available method. Some medical conditions are associated with theoretical safety concerns when certain contraceptives are used. Nevertheless, most contraceptive clinical trials exclude subjects with chronic medical conditions, and direct evidence on which to base sound contraceptive prescribing is limited. The World Health Organization (WHO) Medical Eligibility Criteria provide recommendations on the safe use of contraception. This document is aimed at policymakers and program managers working in less developed countries in which the risks of pregnancy usually far outweigh the risks associated with contraceptive use.


METHODS
The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare used formal consensus methods to adapt the WHO document to reflect clinical practice and health care systems in the United Kingdom.


CONCLUSIONS
This structured group consensus method adds authority, rationality and scientific credibility to the UK version, which makes best use of published evidence and captures collective expert knowledge. Not all clinicians will agree with the recommendations made in the UK version of the Medical Eligibility Criteria, but for the vast majority, they will be a valuable reference to guide clinical practice for women with many conditions that theoretically affect contraceptive use.
Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Clinical Effectiveness Unit, Dugald Baird Centre, Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, Cornhill Road, AB25 2ZD Aberdeen, UK.
Gillian
G
Stephen
Susan
S
Brechin
Anna
A
Glasier
D000328:Adult; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D032921:Consensus; D003267:Contraception; D000075202:Contraindications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D006113:United Kingdom; D014944:World Health Organization