The Jacobs Institute of Women's Health has published Guidelines for Counseling Women on the Management of Menopause for use by health plans and clinicians. With appropriate counseling, as described in the Guidelines , managed care organizations and clinicians can help women make the choices that are right for them. The Guidelines were developed by the Jacobs Institute's Expert Panel on Menopause Counseling. The ultimate goal of the Guidelines is to help women make decisions that are best for them given their own health history, family health history, and personal preferences and concerns.
Patient counseling is one of the ob-gyn's most important jobs.
Women who are included in the decision-making process are more likely to follow through on decisions made. Management of Menopause, a survey measure, evaluates the provision of counseling on managing menopausal hormonal changes to women age 47-55 by their managed care organization. The Jacobs Institute of Women's Health is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the knowledge, practice, and understanding of women's health. Members of the Jacobs Institute include health care providers, researchers, policy makers, and advocates with the common goal of improving the health status of women. Development of the Guidelines was supported by The Commonwealth Fund, a New York City-based private independent foundation.