Conducting Women’s Groups in the Inpatient Unit: Empowering a High-Risk Population by Preventing Unplanned Pregnancies

Abstract

Introduction

Women with mental illness are 5x more likely to experience an unplanned pregnancy due to lower rates of effective contraception use; they also experience higher rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Education about women’s reproductive health and family planning are not routinely offered in inpatient mental health and addiction treatment settings.

Methods

Weekly women’s groups on the inpatient psychiatry unit were led by psychiatry residents who were trained and provided a script. Groups focused on structured contraception education followed by an open-discussion format.

Data collected included the percentage of women with history of contraception use, child protective service involvement, unplanned pregnancies, abortions, and percentage of women who found the group helpful. Special care was taken to discuss contraception as a tool for empowering women to make their own decisions about their contraceptive needs.

Results

Thirteen sessions were conducted, and attendance among women on the inpatient unit was 42%. Out of the 32 patients who participated, 100% found the group beneficial and responded they would share information they learned with women outside the group. 26.4% self-identified as using contraception, 50% had unplanned pregnancy, 23.6% have had an abortion, and 26.4% have had child protective services involvement.

Dissemination of contraceptive information in these women’s groups effectively led women to consider options that were available to them and seek contraceptive methods that were appropriate to their situation. Women reported they gained a better understanding of the medical, emotional, and financial implications of unplanned pregnancies. The groups were conducted in an open-discussion format that allowed women to participate in shared experiences; in many cases, the discussions were therapeutic. Feedback from patients and unit staff was positive. Many patients requested further groups to discuss issues women face, such as domestic violence and experiences as a mother.

Conclusions

Conducting women’s groups on the inpatient unit is critical in view of the poor access to healthcare that vulnerable women who seek inpatient psychiatric care experience. The groups on the inpatient unit are unique because it is often the only time these women have an opportunity for crucial, gender-specific preventative healthcare. These groups should further lead to appropriate referral and follow-up with primary care or women’s clinic providers.

Ongoing efforts will be put forth to increase group attendance, to incorporate participation from unit staff, and to build this group into a resident curriculum for group therapy.

Funding

No Funding