Entry requirements / eligibility

Participants must be registered with the Australian health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a medical practitioner or nurse.

It is expected that those who undertake insertions of IUDs in practice have excellent skills in:

• helping patients to choose contraceptive methods
• assessing whether patients are suitable to use IUDs
• communication and pelvic examination

If you wish to undertake IUD training, but do not have the requisite skills, it is recommended to  complete training in these prior to undertaking clinical IUD training. Some may wish to do the Doctors Certificate course, or some sections of it.

For those with the necessary skills, the steps to take are outlined below.

Course Structure

Step 1: Theory workshop

Complete an IUD workshop. IUD workshops cover current information about copper and hormonal IUD’s insertion techniques and how to manage problems. They also include practice insertions (in pelvic models).

It is usually held in the lecture theatre at SHQ, but if at least 5 GPs request a workshop elsewhere, this can often be arranged.

Step 2: Application for IUD supervised clinical attachment

Application forms will be made available after attending the theory workshop, or by contacting  Clinic Education Coordinator or the Medical Educator, Dr Alison Creagh.

If an applicant does not have the requisite skills, the Medical Educator may make suggestions for suitable further training prior to IUD clinical training.

Step 3: IUD supervised clinical attachment

After approval for training, those new to IUD insertions book and pay for 3-4 supervised 3.5 hour IUD training clinics ($150 per clinic) located at SHQ in Northbridge. Sometimes, extra clinics are needed, depending on the patient mix.

An alternative to doing IUD clinics at SHQ is to book an SHQ preceptor to come to your own practice. Current fees (inclusive of GST) for supervision in your own workplace are $220 per hour of supervision and travel time, plus $1.10 per kilometre of travel.

Another option if you have a skilled IUD inserter in your practice, is to request supervision and feedback from them for your first 7-10 IUD insertions. A certificate from SHQ would not be provided in this situation.

Assessment

During the clinics, trainees are expected to acquire competence in IUD discussions, IUD insertions and in managing IUD related problems. At least 5 competent insertions are needed, which usually means performing (with assistance) 7-10 insertions. If all competencies are met, then a certificate is provided.

Dates Offered

THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL

Thursday 27 February 2020

6.30 pm -9.30 pm

Recognition / Accreditation

RACGP activity accreditation for the new triennium pending

Further Information

To enquire about future IUD theory workshops, please contact  Clinic Education Coordinator