Background: Family planning providers have traditionally served an almost exclusively female clientele. Yet, with male responsibility becoming a frequent refrain in pregnancy and STI prevention, providers are recognizing the need to reach out to the male client and to better meet male clinical needs. California Family Health Council initiated a campaign to enhance male services delivered by 62 federally subsidized family planning agencies in California. Methods: A survey of over 50 agencies was conducted to assess the needs of family planning agencies. In addition, experienced agencies and special projects shared strategies that could be emulated by other clinics. From this, a best practices menu was developed to guide family planning clinics in directing their resources effectively. The menu included recommended training opportunities, incentive plans, and male outreach strategies. Results: Prior to the campaign males constituted less than 5% of the clientele of most family planning agencies and less than half of the agencies had initiated outreach campaigns. Nearly all agencies identified a need for additional training of both clinicians and staff. Conclusions: The impact of this statewide campaign will be assessed by increases in the numbers of males served and the number of family planning staff trained in male service delivery.
Learning Objectives: 1. Discuss reproductive health care needs of male clients. 2. Discuss how family planning services are provided to male clients in California. 3. Obtain information on family planning materials designed for the male client. 4. Obtain information about successful strategies for attracting male clients to family planning clinics. 5. Discuss barriers to serving male clients in family planning clinics. 6. Obtain information on training needs of clinicians and family planning staff to better serve male clients. 7. Identify key features of family planning clinics that successful serve a high volume of male clients
Keywords: Male Reproductive Health, Family Planning
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: California Family Health Council, Inc
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment