Implementation of a Pre-Deployment Well-Woman Visit - A Mechanism to Increase Access to Comprehensive Contraceptive Counseling to Active Duty Women for Pregnancy Prevention and Menstrual Suppression in a Deployed Setting
Abstract
Background or Problem/Issue: Approximately 400 females deploy annually from JBSA Lackland that are not required to have a well-woman visit before their departure for a deployment to address menstrual suppression or contraception counseling. Females have unique needs in austere environments related to the increased difficulty with feminine hygiene, menstrual suppression, and unintended pregnancies. Research has shown that well-woman health care, contraception, and menstrual suppression in the military health system are areas in need ofimprovement for wellness and mission readiness. Clinical Question: In active-duty women deploying to austere environments, how will implementing a visit to the Women's Health Clinic (WHC) to address comprehensive contraceptive counseling and menstrual suppression impact the number of women who receive counseling before deployment over three-months compares to the current practice? Project Design: Using the Iowa Model as a framework, a pilot program was initiated to modify the current deployment health (DH) out-processing checklist. The modified checklist will include a visit to the WHC for all female JBSA Lackland deployers to obtain comprehensive education on menstrual suppression and contraceptive options in the deployed environment. Analysis of the Results: Results demonstrated a 38% increase in female deployers who elected to schedule an appointment to discuss menstrual suppression with or without comprehensive contraception counseling. Thirty-five females tasked to deploy between December 2019 and March 2020 were screened for a contracaptive counseling and/or menstrual suppression appointment. Organizational Impact/Implications for Practice: The goal of the project is to improve access to comprehensive contraceptive counseling and menstrual suppression for active-duty women tasked to deploy from JBSA-Lackland. This project offers valuable data to support practice change across the Air Force and DHA pre-deployment health policies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1182689
Entities
People
- Adrienne M. Vieson
- Jazmin N. Shawell
- Yashika D. Edwards
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences