Professionalism in Family Planning Care Workshop.

introductionWhen clinicians feel negative emotions toward patients, providinge patient-centered care can be difficult. This can occur in family planning scenarios, such as when a provider is uncomfortable with a patient choosing abortion. The Professionalism in Family Planning Care Workshop (PFPCW), framed around professionalism values, used guided reflection to foster self-awareness and empathy in order to teach future providers to provide patient-centered care.

methodsIn the PFPCW, learners discussed challenging patient interactions and family planning scenarios to develop self-awareness and identify strategies for maintaining therapeutic relationships with patients when they experience negative feelings toward them. We implemented the workshop across the United States and Canada and collected pre- and postsurvey data to evaluate program outcomes at Kirkpatrick evaluation levels of participant reaction and effects on learners' attitudes.

resultsA total of 403 participants participated in 27 workshops in which pre- and postworkshop surveys (70% and 46% response rates, respectively) were administered. Sixty-five percent of the participants were residents, and 36% had previously participated in a similar workshop. The majority (92%) rated the PFPCWs as worthwhile. Participants valued the discussion and self-reflection components. Afterward, 23% reported that their attitudes toward caring for people with unintended pregnancy changed to feeling more comfortable. Participants said they would employ self-reflection and empathy in future challenging interactions. DISCUSSION: In this pilot implementation study, our workshop provided learners with strategies for patient-centered care in challenging family planning patient interactions. We are currently modifying the workshop and evaluation program based on feedback.