title: Feasibility and acceptability of a computer-based tool to improve contraceptive counseling.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a computerized tool, Smart Choices, designed to enhance the quality of contraceptive counseling in family planning clinics. The tool includes (a) a questionnaire completed by patients and summarized in a printout for providers and (b) a birth control guide patients explore to learn about various contraceptive methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 2 family planning clinics, we conducted interviews with 125 women who used the Smart Choices computerized tool and 7 providers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Smart Choices integrated into clinic flow well in one clinic, but less well in the other, which had very short waiting times. Patients were generally enthusiastic about Smart Choices, including its helpfulness in preparing them and their providers for the counseling session and increasing their knowledge of contraceptive methods. Providers varied in how much they used the printout and in their opinions about its usefulness. Some felt its usefulness was limited because it overlapped with the clinic's intake forms or because it did not match with their concept of counseling needs. Others felt it provided valuable information not collected by intake forms and more honest information. Some found Smart Choices to be most helpful with patients who were unsure what method they wanted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Smart Choices is feasible to implement and well received by patients, but modifications are needed to increase provider enthusiasm for this tool.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Smart Choices tool requires refinement before widespread dissemination.
authors.affiliation: RTI International. Electronic address: ewilson@rti.org.
authors.forename: Ellen K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: RTI International.
authors.forename: Kathleen E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Krieger
authors.affiliation: RTI International.
authors.forename: Helen P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Koo
authors.affiliation: RTI International.
authors.forename: Alexandra M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Minnis
authors.affiliation: RTI International.
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Treiman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D003201:Computers; D003267:Contraception; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D009657:North Carolina; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012424:Rural Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Acceptability; Computer-based interventions; Contraceptive counseling; Counseling tools; Feasibility