RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Coil or intrauterine device? Patient preferences for contraceptive terminology
JF Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care
JO J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP 46
OP 48
DO 10.1783/147118904322701983
VO 30
IS 1
A1 Nicola Mullin
A1 Kathryn Mills
A1 Rosemary Kirkman
YR 2004
UL http://jfprhc.bmj.com/content/30/1/46.abstract
AB Objective To discover what terminology women prefer to use when referring to contraceptive methods and to investigate the understanding of and ideas associated with contraceptive names. Design A self-administered questionnaire was answered by 191 new patients at family planning clinics (FPCs). Women were asked if they understood the terms used by the fpa (Family Planning Association), if they knew of any alternatives and, if so, which they preferred. Setting Selected FPCs across the city of Manchester. Results Patients preferred to use familiar terms, e.g. pill, mini-pill, coil and morning-after pill. There was no difference in preference when the results were compared by age or educational level. A greater proportion of nonCaucasians than Caucasians preferred the precise (fpa) terms. Although precise terms were not widely known or understood, when used they were associated with more information than were the familiar terms. Conclusion All FPC staff should evaluate the language used by individual patients and, where appropriate, introduce precise terminology to help patients to make informed, appropriate choices.