A Comprehensive and Efficient Process for Counseling Patients Desiring Sterilization

To optimize the time spent counseling a sterilization patient this article presents a 10-step process that includes all steps necessary to ensure a comprehensive counseling session: 1) discuss current contraception use and all available methods; 2) assess the clients interest in/readiness for sterilization; 3) emphasize that the procedure is meant to be permanent but that there is a possibility of failure; 4) explain the surgical procedure using visuals and include a discussion of benefits and risks; 5) explain privately to the client the need to use condoms if engaging in risky sexual activity; 6) have the client read and sign an informed consent form; 7) schedule an appointment for the procedure and provide the patient with a copy of all necessary paperwork; 8) discuss cost and payment method; 9) provide written preoperative and postoperative instructions; and 10) schedule a postoperation visit or a postoperation semen analysis. (authors)