Patient and provider perspectives on Bedsider.org, an online contraceptive information tool, in a low income, racially diverse clinic population

Gregory M. Gressel, Lisbet S. Lundsberg, Jessica L. Illuzzi, Cheryl M. Danton, Sangini S. Sheth, Xiao Xu, Aileen Gariepy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective To explore patient and provider perspectives regarding a new Web-based contraceptive support tool. Study Design We conducted a qualitative study at an urban Medicaid-based clinic among sexually active women interested in starting a new contraceptive method, clinic providers and staff. All participants were given the opportunity to explore Bedsider, an online contraceptive support tool developed for sexually active women ages 18-29 by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and endorsed by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Focus groups were conducted separately among patient participants and clinic providers/staff using open-ended structured interview guides to identify specific themes and key concepts related to use of this tool in an urban clinic setting. Results Patient participants were very receptive to this online contraceptive support tool, describing it as trustworthy, accessible and empowering. In contrast, clinic providers and staff had concerns regarding the Website's legitimacy, accessibility, ability to empower patients and applicability, which limited their willingness to recommend its use to patients. Conclusion Contrasting opinions regarding Bedsider may point to a potential disconnect between how providers and patients view contraception information tools. Further qualitative and quantitative studies are needed to explore women's perspectives on contraceptive education and counseling and providers' understanding of these perspectives. Implications Statement This study identifies a contrast between how patients and providers in an urban clinic setting perceive a Web-based contraceptive tool. Given a potential patient-provider discrepancy in preferred methods and approaches to contraceptive counseling, additional research is needed to enhance this important arena of women's health care.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)588-593
Number of pages6
JournalContraception
Volume90
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bedsider
  • Contraception
  • Counseling
  • Internet
  • Sex education

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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