Family Planning Australia has been travelling around NSW regional and rural towns this year training health workers across the state in insertion and removal of the contraceptive implant.
Family Planning Australia has so far trained 190 clinicians – including doctors, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and midwives – in thirteen locations. Wollongong, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Armidale and Wagga Wagga were the locations with the highest demand for training.
“The training is important for patients living in regional and rural communities who stand to benefit from an increased range of highly effective contraceptive options through their local doctor and other health services,” Family Planning Australia Medical Education Officer Dr Lucy Cho said.
“These health workers recognise that people need access to sexual and reproductive healthcare where they live and are keen to add contraceptive implants to their procedural skills.”
Family Planning Australia’s Implanon course is fully funded through Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia’s (SRHA) AUSLARC program, which provides scholarships to reduce financial and geographic barriers to long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) training. This means that if applicants are successful, there is no cost to participate.
AUSLARC is led by Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia (SRHA) in partnership with The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). This initiative received grant funding from the Australian Government and includes a national evaluation framework to support long-term impact and sustainability.
SRHA is a long-standing alliance of the key sexual and reproductive health organisations from each of the Australian states and territories, and is their national policy and advocacy voice, working to ensure all people have freedom and autonomy over matters related to sexuality, reproduction, gender and wellbeing. Family Planning Australia is the NSW member.
Family Planning Australia’s contraceptive implant course is suitable for both new inserters and for clinicians who want to refresh their existing skills. It comprises online learning, practical learning components and competency assessments.
In addition to insertion and removal in a primary care setting, the course covers client consultation, local anesthetic administration, management of common side effects, and more.
“It’s personalised, hands-on training with one facilitator for every six students. This means there is great opportunity to ask questions and have techniques demonstrated. The course is also a great networking opportunity to meet other clinicians in your area,” Dr Cho said.
Family Planning Australia’s contraceptive implant course is also available online, which makes it even more accessible for rural and remote health workers.
