Assessment of contraceptive services in a maternity unit of a district general hospital in the UK

N. Rawal (1), G. Das (1), M. Kishen (2)

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, UK (1); Abacus Centre for Contraception & Reproductive Health, Dale Street, Liverpool, UK (2)

Introduction: Contraception should ideally be discussed during antenatal period and after delivery sufficient time should be given to enable women to make informed decisions regarding future contraception. The professional delivering the advice should have adequate training in Family Planning.

Objective: To assess contraceptive services provided to women delivering in a district general hospital in UK Design & Methodology: A Questionnaire study was undertaken to assess the quality of contraceptive services received by women delivering in Arrowe Park Hospital between July 99 to October 99. During the same period, a second Questionnaire was given to 67 midwifes to find their views on their contraceptive training and services.

Results: 87 women returned the questionnaire. 28% reported having some discussion on contraception during antenatal period. All 87 (100%) received contraceptive advises during the postpartum period. 74(81%) of women felt that sufficient information and enough time was given to discuss contraception. However analysis of questionnaires indicated that most received information only on barrier method and pills. Contraceptive leaflets were given to 45 (51.7%) women and 61(70.11%) women received the information on where to obtain contraceptive services after leaving the hospital. Out of 64 midwives surveyed, 52 (81.2%)had attended a family planning course. However 37 (57.4%) of them had attended the course at least 3 years earlier. 38 (59.3%) midwives felt that they have adequate knowledge to give advice but all of them reported that they should receive further training/update in family planning.

Conclusion: There should be provision for comprehensive discussion regarding contraceptive options during both antenatal and postpartum periods. Midwives require regular training in family planning.