General practice preconception care invitations: a qualitative study of women's acceptability and preferences

In general practice, primary care providers can potentially use electronic medical records (EMRs) to identify and invite reproductive-aged women with preconception health risk factors to increase their engagement in preconception care (PCC). However, the acceptability of receiving PCC invitations and women's preferences about the invitation process are poorly understood. This study aims to investigate women's acceptability and preferences for receiving PCC invitations from general practice settings.

Participants were recruited via convenience, purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom from August until November 2023. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and inductive reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken.

PCC invitations sent from general practice are acceptable if the language is sensitive and non-stigmatising. Text or email invitations detailing the importance and scope of the PCC consultation were preferred, after discussing reproductive intentions with a general practitioner or practice nurse. Women with preconception health risk factors or those actively trying to conceive were more likely to engage in PCC. Key strategies to enhance PCC engagement include advertising in waiting rooms, introducing PCC in new patient registration forms, and integrating PCC into holistic care.

Using EMRs to identify and invite women with preconception health risk factors to increase their engagement in PCC is generally acceptable. Invitations sent via text messages or emails are preferred. It is crucial to use respectful and appropriate language to avoid stigmatising or offending women, particularly those with infertility issues, those who have completed their families, or those who do not wish to have children.