Family planning counseling: an international conference

AVSC News. 1992 Jul;30(2):1-2.

Abstract

PIP: An international conference on family planning counseling held in Istanbul in April 1992 was attended by 60 health care professionals from 25 countries. The conference was co-sponsored by the Association for Voluntary Surgical Contraception (AVSC) and the World Federation for Voluntary Surgical contraception. Participants conceptualized counseling as a two-way communication between client and health provider aimed at enabling the client to make a voluntary, informed choice consistent with her/his needs and values. Counseling was further envisioned as occurring whenever clients come into contact with health care staff--a view that suggests a need to train a range of personnel, including administrative staff, physicians, and community health workers, in counseling skills. Participants further recommended that family planning counseling be expanded to include sex education and information about sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS. Given indications that thorough counseling can increase contraceptive acceptance, client satisfaction, and contraception continuation, funding agencies and government officials are urged to intensify support for counseling activities and training.

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care Facilities
  • Behavior
  • Communication*
  • Congresses as Topic*
  • Counseling*
  • Education
  • Family Planning Services*
  • Health Planning
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Organization and Administration
  • Physician-Patient Relations*
  • Public Relations*
  • Teaching*