Training to fit intrauterine devices/intrauterine systems for general practitioners: is there an alternative method of service delivery?

Author: Lee, Deborah J.¹

Source: Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care, Volume 33, Number 3, July 2007 , pp. 205-207(3)

Publisher: Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare

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Abstract:

Background and methodology: This paper questions the traditional method of obtaining intrauterine device (IUD) and intrauterine system (IUS) training, by highlighting the pitfalls of this training, and introduces community IUD/IUS training, a new model offering significant advantages.

Discussion and conclusions: Traditional IUD/IUS training is not optimal for a variety of reasons including scarcity of designated IUD/IUS clinics, long distances for travel to be trained, wasted clinic appointments, a tendency towards difficult IUD/IUS fitting in these specialist clinics, and a lack of suitable doctors as IUD/IUS trainers. Community IUD/IUS training enables the trainee to be involved in patient selection, setting up an IUD/IUS clinic (probably for their own future use) and following up their own patients. Community IUD/IUS fitting has definite advantages and much to commend it.

Keywords: GENERAL PRACTITIONER; INTRAUTERINE DEVICE; INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM; LONG-ACTING REVERSIBLE CONTRACEPTION; TRAINING

Document Type: Short communication

DOI: 10.1783/147118907781005100

Affiliations: 1: Southampton Contraception & Sexual Health Service, The Quay to Health, Southampton UK

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