Background:
In 2007, CFHC received funds from the March of Dimes to assess the level of preconception care occurring in Title X clinics in Los Angeles, Yolo, and San Francisco County. From the assessment, curricula and training would be developed to meet the needs of clinic staff in providing preconception care more consistently.

Objectives:
1. To assess the level of preconception care in Title X clinics in Los Angeles, Yolo and San Francisco Counties by utilizing a consistent assessment tool.
2. To identify training needs to enhance the practice of preconception care delivery.


Methods:
CFHC staff created a preconception assessment tool for family planning clinics which was reviewed by an Advisory Council. The tool was completed by providers and follow up site visits were conducted to further identify the clinic's “inventory” of preconception care delivery modalities, including education and outreach efforts, counseling, history taking practices, etc. The assessments and visits will be completed by September 2007.

Results:
From the evaluation of the assessments and outcomes of the site visits, CFHC will have gathered information on current practice and identified best practices in preconception care delivery. Training will be created and provided as a result of the findings.

Conclusion and implications for practice:
CFHC distributes Title X funds throughout the State of California and plans to share best practices and training opportunities with all Title family planning clinics throughout the state. Understanding more completely how to frame the practice of preconception care in family planning promises to positively affect maternal child health outcomes for all women.