Background:
Considerable interest and medical literature has been devoted to health counseling, risk assessment, clinical intervention, and prevention for women of reproductive age. Including these components at the point of care as part of a preconception healthcare model can mean fewer pregnancy complications, healthier mothers, and healthier babies. In 2005, PKC identified the need for a Preconception Guidance Coupler. This Coupler, released in 2006, is a Web-based clinical screening tool that includes extensive knowledge from the latest medical literature and authoritative organizations in women's and children's healthcare. It features a patient-friendly questionnaire, customized guidance based on the woman's unique characteristics, and standardized data collection for healthcare providers and large-scale analysis.

Objectives:
In this presentation, we will demonstrate the PKC Preconception Guidance Coupler tool and identify its applicability in clinical screening, risk assessment, intervention, and patient education. We will address the depth of knowledge embedded in the tool and highlight areas in which it can be customized for specific populations. We will also address the possibilities for preconception-care data collection, analysis, and continuing education opportunities.

Methods:
The Preconception Guidance Coupler provides guidance on planning for pregnancy. It includes information on basic topics such as fertility and conception, diet, vitamin supplementation, exercise, and avoidable hazards. The Coupler identifies risks to mother or child related to existing maternal medical conditions, medications, chemical exposures, infectious diseases, and family history. Genetic testing may be suggested if risk factors are present. The Coupler also provides fertility and risk information based on the male partner's personal and family health history.

Results:
N/A

Conclusion and implications for practice:
Using this Coupler facilitates evidence-based preconception clinical screening and standardized data collection, as well as improving health education and decision-making for women of reproductive age. Early identification of prevention and intervention opportunities for the clinician with targeted guidance will result in healthier women and babies.
The PKC Preconception Guidance Coupler is a comprehensive screening tool developed in well-tested software that meets the needs of both consumers and healthcare providers. It can be easily accessed over the Internet. Updates and customization of the questionnaire and guidance data are performed regularly to reflect evolving and changing medical literature.