Pediatric Resident Education to Facilitate Adolescent Contraceptive Counseling

Teenage pregnancy is associated with myriad physical and socioeconomic risks for both mother and baby. Pediatricians have a vital role in providing sexual health education, ideally before the onset of sexual activity, and in preventing teenage pregnancy. Prevention of pregnancy during adolescent years can have a dramatic and positive effect on the lives of girls in the US. Pediatricians can help to reduce teenage pregnancies by recommending and providing effective methods of contraception. The goal of this DNP project was to empower pediatricians to counsel adolescents about contraception and to increase their comfort level in providing adolescents with LARC methods. This was accomplished by providing an educational intervention and an accessible online resource to help pediatric residents feel more confident in providing contraceptive counseling. A review of the literature revealed barriers commonly encountered by pediatricians when providing contraception to adolescents, including inadequate training, unfamiliarity with eligibility criteria, and concerns for privacy and legality. A survey was provided to local pediatric residents to assess attitudes towards and perceived barriers to providing contraception to adolescents. Survey results were compiled to identify educational needs and were used to develop teaching points. A presentation on adolescent contraception and addressing common barriers was given to the pediatric resident class and the information was made accessible for future use on an online database. The survey was then re-administered to determine if attitudes about contraception had changed and if educational needs were met. Survey results were difficult to interpret as turnout to the intervention was less than expected. However, the project identified a need for education on laws and policies regarding adolescent reproductive health.