Table 1 Summary of included studies (Fp = Family planning related; PCC = person-centered care related; Knowledge = knowledge related outcomes)

Amatya et al. 1994 [23]

Husbands, Bangladesh

N = 617

Provided counseling to the husbands of women who received NORPLANT about the method.

Quasi-experimental design [prospective pilot study]

Communication, Social Support

FP: Lower discontinuation rates at 36 months (hazard of discontinuation 0.81 higher in control),

PCC: no difference in satisfaction

Bensussen-Walls & Saewyc 2001 [42]

Adolescents (pregnant, aged 13–18), United States,

N = 106

Comprehensive, interdisciplinary teen-centered prenatal care clinics (Young Women’s Clinic & Teen Pregnancy and Parenting Clinic) were developed to help out-of home, high risk, parenting and pregnant teens. These clinics had public health nurses, social workers, dieticians, midwives, and adolescent focused providers. The providers received training in providing care to adolescents.

Retrospective chart review and a case-comparison design

Dignity, Privacy/ confidentiality, Communication

FP: More family planning use at 8 weeks (87.7% of teen clinic clients were using a contraceptive method compared with 64.3% of adult clinic clients)

Berenson & Rahman 2012 [31]

Low income young women (16–24 women, sexually active, not pregnant, making < 30,000/year), United States,

N = 1155

The intervention consisted of one- on- one counseling for 45 min. Counselors used educational and behavioral techniques based on the health belief model. Clients were also given handouts with simple instructions. The counselor reviewed the instruction verbally and helped the patient develop a cue to remember the pill, as well as discussion other birth control and pregnancy related information. An additional arm tested this intervention plus a weekly follow-up phone call until the clients started the method and then monthly for 6 months. In the calls, counselors gave instructions, discussed side effects, and clients had a 24-h emergency number they could call.

Randomized controlled trial

Privacy/ confidentiality, Communication

FP: No impact on OC at 3, 6 or 12 months, condom, pregnancy rates. Comparing Intervention vs. Standard at 12 months: OC: 20% vs. 20%; condoms at last intercourse: 31% vs. 29%.

Carneiro Gomes Ferreira et al. 2011 [32]

Post abortion (1–2 weeks post abortion), Brazil,

N = 246

Face-to-face contraceptive counseling lasting 30 min was provided. This session covered individualized counseling, provided guided information based on past experiences, myths and beliefs about contraception, and free provision of family planning and verification of their knowledge about how to use it.

Randomized controlled trial

Privacy/ confidentiality, Communication

FP: Increase in FP uptake; probability of continuation at 6 months greater in the intervention group (41% higher in the intervention group)

Charron-Prochownik et al. [28] 2013

Adolescent girls (13–19) with type 1 or 2 diabetes, United States,

N = 109

The intervention consisted of additional video/book based information over 3 visits. The fist was a DVD, which provided evidenced based information, the second also a DVD with exercises and the third a book reinforcing information from the first DVD.

Randomized controlled trial

Privacy /confidentiality, Communication

Knowledge: Increased knowledge about family planning (FP) (group by time interactions F[6, 81.5] = 10.41, P, 0.0001),

FP: More intention to use FP (F[6, 534] = 3.40, p = 0.0027) and talk to provider about FP (F[6, 82.4] = 2.56, p = 0.0254)

Costello et al. 2001 [21]

Women (new-users, received method in last 6 months), Philippines,

N = 869 intervention and N = 859 control

Providers and their supervisors were trained to help clients meet their self-defined reproductive needs. Providers were trained in information exchange (relevant and accurate information and providing high quality services) and supervisors were trained in providing support to providers.

Quasi-experimental design

Autonomy, Communication

PCC: Reported better quality of care (large number of quality indicators)

Danielson et al. 1990 [34]

Adolescent boys (15–18 who had ambulatory care at participating hospital), United States,

N = 971

A 30-min slide tape presentation with explicit photographs and information about reproductive anatomy, fertility, HIV/STIs, contraception, and other topics was developed and provided to clients. After watching the slide-tape, clients received a consultation guided by the client’s interests. A patient centered approach guided the counseling (non-judgmental, modeling and rehearsing conversations with partners, etc.).

Quasi-experimental design

Dignity, Privacy/ confidentiality, Communication

FP: Reduced sexual activity among those who never had sex (OR = 1.31, p < 0.001); increase method use (OR = 1.51, p < 0.05)

Knowledge: increase in knowledge of fertility/family planning (various indicators)

Exner et al. 2009 [24]

Men (referred from their female partners), Nigeria,

N = 149

Intervention, N = 132 comparison

Seven models to promote dual-protection were delivered in two 5-h workshops, 1 week apart. Topics included HIV stigma and knowledge, pregnancy risk, risk reduction strategies, facilitating sexual negotiation, challenging gender based violence, and setting and implementing risk reduction goals. Communication, assertiveness, and negotiation skills were emphasized, and different methods such as small group discussions, songs, proverbs, role-playing and games, were utilized.

Quasi-experimental design

Dignity, Autonomy, Communication

PCC: Great safer sex efficacy (0.17, p < 0.05), less relationship response to condom use (− 0.19, p < 0.05) and less interpersonal power (− 0.16, p < 0.05).

FP: Greater intention for future consistent condom use (OR = 2.11, p < 0.05), greater intention to use condoms consistently (0.23, p < 0.01). Lower odds of unprotected sex (OR = 0.34, p < 0.01), greater odds of condom use at last sex (OR = 4.10, p < 0.001), lower odds of refusal to use condom with main partner (OR = 0.28, p < 0.01).

Gilliam et al. 2014 [27]

Women (ages15–29), United States,

N = 60

A theory-based app was developed using human centered design. The app was based on the theory of planned behavior, addressed gaps in LARC knowledge and provided information on other methods, was designed for a variety of learning styles, had unbiased and evidence based content and could be used in the clinic setting.

Randomized controlled trial

Dignity, Privacy/ confidentiality, Communication

Knowledge: Significantly higher knowledge of contraceptive effectiveness (2 out of 3 measures)

FP: Increased interest in the implant (6.5 to 29.0%, P,<  0.02).

PCC: Users were highly satisfied (no comparison)

Jain et al. 2012 [22]

Women (new users), Philippines,

N = 1728

Providers and their supervisors were trained to help clients meet their self-defined reproductive needs. Providers were trained in information exchange (relevant and accurate information and providing high quality services) and supervisors were trained in providing support to providers.

Quasi-experimental design

Dignity, Communication, Supportive Care

FP: No significant effect on modern family planning use or unintended birth;

PCC: Impact of a number of quality indicators (needs assessed, method choice, information received, interpersonal relations, continuity of care)

Kim et al. 2000 [33]

Women, Indonesia

N = 233

The Smart Patient intervention occurred while patients were waiting for their appointment in the waiting room. Patients were led through three exercises on a leaflet that encouraged patients to ask questions. The second part of the intervention had patients think through what they wanted to ask the nurse (using a list of common questions as a prompt) and then write them down. In the final step, the patient could practice asking her questions.

Quasi-experimental design

Autonomy, Communication, Supportive Care

PCC: Clients’ ratings of self-expression (4.0 to 4.2, p < .0001) and satisfaction increased (4.2 to 4.4, p < 0.0001); no effect on clients’ perspectives on the counseling experience

Kim et al. 2003 [41]

Women recruited from 64 clinics in two districts, only new users, Indonesia,

N = 768

A 5-day workshop for providers emphasized client-centered counseling and skills including rapport setting, encouraging dialogue and decision-making. Additional arms included (1) providers doing a self-assessment and (2) self-assessment plus peer review meetings (every week for 16 weeks).

Quasi-experimental design

Autonomy, Privacy/ confidentiality

FP: The discontinuation rate at 8 months was lower, but the difference was only marginally significant (life table, X² = 2.99, p = 0.08).

Kraft et al. 2007 [25]

Couples (women ages 18–25 and their primary male partner), United States,

N = 223

Partners Against Risk-Taking: A Networking, Evaluation and Research Study (PARTNERS) included a 3 session intervention with women and their male partners, in groups of up to 6 couples. The intervention addressed psychosocial and relationship factors related to preventive strategies such as family planning and HIV/STIs.

Randomized controlled trial

Dignity, Autonomy, Communication, Social Support

FP: No effect on contraceptive uptake;

PCC: improvement in the psychosocial variable measuring positive expectations pertaining to partner’s support for contraception (F = 0.483, p = .029) and participation in decision-making about FP (F 27.15, p .001)

Langston et al. 2010 [44]

Post abortion (women 18 years or older who do not want to become pregnant right away), United States,

N = 380

The intervention assessed a WHO developed tool called the Decision-Making Tool for Family Planning Clients and Providers. It includes a double-sided flip chart with information for providers on one side and clients on the other side. Providers were also trained to encourage patients to ask questions and write down questions for their provider.

Randomized controlled trial

Dignity, Autonomy, Supportive Care

FP: No impact on choosing a very effective method, initiation, or use at 3 months.

León et al. 2004 [35]

Women (new adopters), Peru,

N = 215

Providers received a 2-day training on the job aids assisted Balanced counseling strategy, with an additional 1-day re-training.

Quasi-experimental design

Dignity, Communication, Supportive Care

Knowledge: Knowledge of IUD/hormonal methods chosen higher (p < .05, one-tailed)

FP: continuation and switching rates did not differ, reproductive goals more likely to be met (p < .01).

León et al. 2005 [36]

Women, Guatemala,

N = 320

Balanced counseling uses 2 techniques to simply the client’s experience of choosing a family planning method. The first is to do a needs assessment to help the provider focus on methods that are appropriate for the client given her needs or situation. The provider then only describes these methods. The second technique involves the use of visual aids that help both the provider and client.

Quasi-experimental design

Dignity, Communication, Supportive Care

PCC: Improved Quality of Care (1 tailed t-value: 13.81, p < 0.001), increased session length (3.94, p < 0.001)

Nobili et al. 2007 [38]

Post abortion, Italy,

N = 186

Counseling was provided by psychologist or gynecologist and lasted for 30 min. The intervention consisted of a semi-structured interview to understand the women’s needs, the offer of information and education about methods, and then choosing a method and checking for understanding.

Randomized controlled trial

Dignity, Communication

Knowledge: Knowledge (Z = − 3.91, p = .0001), favorable attitudes towards contraception (Z = − 3.81, p = .0001)

FP: use of effective contraception increased (65% to 80%, p = .0002, no change in control group)

Petersen et al. 2007 [39]

Women (ages 16–44, at risk of unintended pregnancy), United States,

N = 764

Participants received pregnancy and STI prevention counseling, followed by a booster session 2 months later. The counseling session was based in motivational interviewing and emphasized three elements: discrepancies between pregnancy intention and contraceptive use, sharing information, and promoting behaviors to reduce risk. Counseling was tailored based on baseline data collected on clients and focused on increasing self efficacy and effective use. Women could also obtain or get a referral for a method.

Randomized controlled trial

Dignity, Autonomy, Communication

FP: No significant differences

Rawlins et al. 2013 [45]

Women (receiving reproductive health services: ANC, PNC, FP, and L&D), Malawi,

N = 139

A performance and quality improvement intervention was conducted over a three-year period to improve family planning, as well as delivery, antenatal and post natal care.

Quasi-experimental design

Supportive Care

PCC: Higher scores on client assessments (difference in means, p < 0.001), but not for counseling

Reynolds et al. 2008 [43]

Women (FP, MCH, or STI/HIV clients), Kenya,

N = 30

Based on the findings of a quality improvement cycle, a training package for supervisors was developed. The developed package consisted of a one week training with supervisors on improving performance, leading teams, skills required of being a supervisor, etc.

Quasi-experimental design

Supportive Care

PCC: No improvements in client satisfaction

Sarnquist et al. 2014 [26]

Women (18–40 years old, HIV- positive, seeking ANC), Zimbabwe,

N = 33 standard-of-care (SOC) and N = 65 intervention participants

The intervention consisted of three 90-min group sessions (or about 12 women each) aimed to increase FP use and negotiating power. The sessions used a variety of learning techniques such as discussion, behavior modeling, songs, and role-play.

Quasi-experimental design

Dignity, Autonomy, Communication

PCC: Increased control over condom use (t-test, p = .002), increased relationship power (p = .01),

Knowledge: increased knowledge about IUDs (p = .002),

FP: No change in intent to use a condom or use of a method increased relationship power

Sathar et al. 2005 [40]

Women seeking Family planning in 1 district, Pakistan

N = 381 baseline, N = 443 end line

Trained providers to focus on meeting client needs through a more patient-centered approach, and that included addressing the client’s gender and power situation at the household level. Used a framework to guide the providers (salutation, assessment, help, and reassurance).

Quasi-experimental design

Dignity, Supportive Care, Trust

PCC: Improved patient provider interaction

Schwandt et al. 2013 [30]

Women (18 years or older, fertile, and wanting to wait at least 12 months before next pregnancy), Ghana,

N = 684

Group counseling with four main components: “(a) introduction to the basic physiology of reproduction—with an emphasis on the quick return of fertility after an abortion; (b) an overview of family planning and the different methods available; (c) messages tailored to the individual patient to help her determine the correct method for her and the potential side effects with that method and (d) an emphasis on establishing linkages with family planning services in each woman’s locale.”

Quasi-experimental design

Dignity, Autonomy, Communication

Knowledge: No difference in modern contraceptive knowledge

Schwarz et al. 2013 [37]

Acute care women (18–45 years old), United States,

N = 814

The intervention consisted of a computer kiosk where patients could get information and facilitate access to contraceptives. It provided information and allowed women to request a prescription.

Randomized controlled trial

Privacy/ confidentiality, Communication

FP: More likely to report receiving a contraceptive prescription (16% vs. 1%, p = .001); No difference in FP use last sex or knowledge

Winter & Breckenmaker 1991 [29]

Adolescent (younger than 18 years old and high risk for teen pregnancy), United States,

N = 1256

Services tailored to youth included 1–1 counseling, visual aids, multiple clinic visits, longer appointments, provider training in adolescent development, attention to the comfort of the teen, the encouragement of male participation, support to teens for resisting peer pressure and encouraging parent involvement.

Quasi-experimental design

Dignity, Autonomy, Privacy/ confidentiality, Communication, Social Support, Supportive Care

FP: More likely to use a method at 6 months (p < 0.01), more likely to continue method (p < 0.05), less likely to become pregnant (p < 0.05)