A Checklist to Assess Childbearing Intentions and Promote Referral to Preconception Care or Contraception: A Multi-Site Study

Introduction: This study assesses HIV provider views on the value of a checklist designed to assess patients’ preconception care (PCC) needs and guide implementation of PCC. Methods: Ninety-two HIV providers in seven U.S. cities provided perspectives via an in-depth phone interview regarding a checklist to facilitate communication and referrals for PCC. A sub-sample of 27 providers shared feedback on a checklist designed for this purpose. Interview audio files were transcribed and uploaded to a web-based program supporting coding and analysis of qualitative data. Content analysis was utilized to identify key themes within the larger, a priori themes of interest. Feedback regarding the checklist was analyzed using a grounded theory approach to examine patterns and emergent themes across transcripts. Results: Providers averaged 11.5 years of HIV treatment experience; over 80 percent were physicians (MD) or nurse practitioners (NP) and 76 percent were HIV/infectious disease specialists. The majority of providers were female (70%) and Caucasian (72%). Checklist benefits identified included standardization of care, assisting new/inexperienced providers, educational resource for patients, and aid in normalizing childbearing. Concerns included over-protocolizing care, interfering with patient-provider communication, or requiring providers address non-priority issues during visits. Providers suggested checklists be simple, incorporated into the electronic medical record, and accompanied with appropriate referral systems. Discussion: Findings support a need for a checklist tool to assist in conversations about reproductive intentions/desires. Additional referral or innovative consultative services will be needed as more persons living with HIV/AIDS are engaged on the topic of childbearing.