Putting the research together: Using motivational interviewing and the 5 essential components of the Effective Contraceptive Counseling (ECC) model

Effective contraceptive counseling, using a client-centered, science-based approach, will improve client contraceptive utilization as well as ensure quality of client services. No single model for the entire process and content of counseling and educating clients about contraception has been demonstrated by in-depth, peer-review research to facilitate clients' contraceptive efficacy. However, an extensive literature review does support the efficacy of a number of separately studied counseling topics, provider qualities and processes. The Effective Contraceptive Counseling (ECC) model combines expert wisdom and research about all the various pieces of client interventions, particularly research about what is important and useful for serving teens. In addition, the ECC model integrates the personal and cultural context of a client's experience into the counseling and educational approach. The training curriculum, Effective Contraceptive Counseling: Training Clinicians, Educators and Counselors to Help Clients Use Contraception More Effectively, reflects the author's analyses of research and best practices for improving client contraceptive efficacy. The purpose of the ECC model and training curriculum is to help providers enhance a client's ability to be more successful with his or her chosen contraceptive method. The implications of teaching this ECC model will be discussed.