Are there unmet needs in contraceptive counselling and choice? Findings of the European TANCO Study.

INTRODUCTION

Effective use of contraception requires women to make an informed choice about methods that match their individual needs and expectations. The European Thinking About Needs in Contraception (TANCO) study is a quantitative, online survey of healthcare provider and women's views on aspects of counselling around contraception and contraceptive use.

METHODS

Healthcare providers and women attending their practices for contraceptive counselling were invited to complete online questionnaires. The women's survey explored knowledge and use of contraceptive methods, satisfaction with current method, and interest in receiving more information about all methods. Healthcare provider views were gathered in parallel.

RESULTS

A total of 676 healthcare providers and 6027 women completed the online surveys in 11 countries. There was a high prevalence of contraceptive use and general satisfaction with current method across the countries. Fifty-five percent of women were using short-acting contraception (SAC) methods; 19% were using a long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) method. Sixty percent of women were interested in receiving more information about all methods; 73% of women said they would consider LARC if they received more comprehensive information. Healthcare providers tend to underestimate women's interest in receiving information on contraception in general and, more specifically, LARC methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite high levels of use and satisfaction with current methods, women were interested in receiving more information about all contraceptive methods. Greater exploration of women's views on their needs and expectations of contraception could lead to increased knowledge, more effective discussions with healthcare providers and the greater likelihood of informed contraceptive choice.