Essentials of Screening
Providers should be aware of the risks of screening. When undertaken without a person-centered approach, screening can mistakenly communicate implicit expectations or assumptions about people’s reproductive needs or desires.
People may feel that they are being “targeted” for STI screening or contraception if the screening process is not explained or normalized. To minimize these risks, the following principles can guide screening:
- Explain why screening is being conducted. It is important to explain that screening is conducted routinely, that it is part of determining what services a person might benefit from, and that the answers to the screening questions are private and will not affect a person’s eligibility for care.
- Use a standardized, evidence-based, person-centered tool when possible. Specific tools for screening for reproductive desires and related services are described below and samples are listed in Exhibit 7. Tools can be brief and user-friendly.70, 71 Although screening is most frequently conducted verbally, written or online questionnaires can also be used for screening, either in person or remotely.
- Recognize that disclosure is not always the goal and that patients may choose to omit aspects of their history for a variety of reasons.