The family planning quotient and reproductive life index (FPQ/RepLI) tool: a solution for family planning, reproductive life planning and contraception counseling

Objective Access to comprehensive and culturally appropriate reproductive life planning is essential to women’s health. Although many strategies and tools exist, few are designed for longitudinal use or provide visual aids. Our objective is to present the Family Planning Quotient (FPQ) and Reproductive Life Index (RepLI) (FPQ/RepLI) tool we created to facilitate the discussion of family planning and reproductive life goals between patients and providers and to provide a summary our evaluation of the tool. This tool was developed as a response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s charge of developing a tool that could help facilitate reproductive life planning by giving the patient a better understanding of their reproductive goals and trajectory. Study design This cross-sectional evaluation of our tool took place with patients and providers at an urban, public hospital in Chicago. Patients spoke with a health educator about their sexual, gynecological, and obstetric history to complete the FPQ/RepLI tool. Our primary objective was to measure the proportion of women who indicated the tool was helpful and that they would use it to track their reproductive goals. Main outcome measures Patients and providers completed an evaluation survey rating their satisfaction with the tool. Survey responses were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Results During the study, 790 patients completed the evaluation.. Most patients ( n = 725, 91.9%) agreed that the tool was helpful and that they would use it to track their reproductive goals. Fifty-five (83.5%) providers agreed that there is a need for reproductive health tools in clinical practice. Conclusions Most agreed that the tool helped the patient communicate goals, aided in educating about contraception, and facilitated the discussion and decision-making process about available contraceptives. The tool gives patients a resource for family and reproductive goal planning. Broad dissemination amongst other medical specialties beyond obstetrics and gynecology may make reproductive life planning accessible to more women.