Feasibility and acceptability of virtual group contraceptive counseling prior to abortion care

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of virtual group contraceptive counseling in the abortion care setting.

Patients seeking abortion care at an urban university hospital were invited to participate in this cohort study. Prior to their clinical appointments, groups of two to six patients participated in 45-minute virtual contraceptive counseling visits facilitated by study staff. Contraceptive method use, effectiveness, and side effects were reviewed according to group interest. Participant satisfaction scores were collected immediately following the sessions. After their appointments, providers estimated the time spent on contraceptive counseling during the clinical visit.

Of 195 patients approached, 86 (44%) were enrolled. Fifty-seven (66%) enrolled patients completed a session. The most common reason for declining enrollment was concern about the time commitment. Most (93%) participants reported being "satisfied" or "very satisfied" overall, and 96% would recommend group contraceptive counseling to a friend. Providers reported that compared to typical counseling, participants required a shorter amount of time during the clinical visit than nonparticipants (time spent <5 minutes: 74% vs 54%).

Virtual group contraceptive counseling for patients seeking abortion was feasible and acceptable in this study. Group virtual visits may reduce provider time burden, add value when virtual care delivery is desired or required, and deserve further study.

Family planning clinics can consider incorporating virtual group counseling as a person-centered and efficient approach to contraceptive counseling at the time of abortion care.