Abstract
AIMS: Contraception is of increased importance for women with mental health conditions. These women are more likely to experience unplanned pregnancies and are at a higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases. NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines recommend discussing the use of contraception with women of childbearing potential with mental health problems. Professionals should discuss how pregnancy and childbirth can impact a mental health problem and how a mental health problem and its treatment might affect the woman, the foetus or the baby. It is, therefore, important for professionals to feel confident when advising these women. In this study, we aim to examine the knowledge, practices and attitudes of mental health professionals in providing contraceptive advice to service users of childbearing potential. METHODS: An observational quantitative cross-sectional design study was utilised using a 12-item self-report questionnaire. Mental health professionals meeting the inclusion criteria, employed by Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation, were invited to complete the anonymised survey electronically. Responses were entered into the survey software (Qualtrics) and quantitative data analysis was conducted. The study was approved by the North West Manchester Ethics Committee. This is the first arm of the study, and the second arm focuses on service user experience and is currently in progress. RESULTS: 76 professionals responded, including 24 consultants, 17 trainee doctors, 16 nurses, 8 non-trainee doctors, 7 psychologists, 3 social workers and 1 pharmacist. Of the 76 responses, 31% said they felt extremely/very familiar with the NICE guidelines. 38% of respondents said they were somewhat familiar, and 30% said they were not so/not at all familiar. Regarding confidence in discussing contraception and family planning 8% responded extremely/very, 28% responded somewhat and 64% responded not so/not at all. 68% said they would like to receive further training. A third of the professionals surveyed said they were not familiar with the NICE guidance. Two-thirds of respondents do not feel confident offering counselling around contraception, planning and spacing pregnancies. Over two-thirds would like further training CONCLUSION: The survey showed a lack of confidence in offering reproductive advice and the need for training to improve knowledge. We aim to develop training in contraception advice to improve the care provided for female service users.