Online Learning Supports GP Contraception Advice, Royal Australian College Of General Practitioners

Main Category: Primary Care / General Practice
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs;  IT / Internet / E-mail
Article Date: 09 Oct 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has launched a new online learning activity designed to support general practitioners and other members of the practice team in boosting their skills to fulfil the various contraceptive needs of women.

The activity, reviewed by Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia, is now available through the RACGP's online education portal gplearning at http://www.gplearning.com.au and Category 2 QA&CPD points apply.

"Many women seek contraceptive advice from general practitioners and these consultations provide an ideal opportunity to support women and consequently improve the outcomes of contraceptive use," said Dr Chris Mitchell, RACGP President and GP in Northern NSW.

"The number of options available to protect women against unplanned pregnancy is growing, and it is therefore critical that GPs keep themselves informed about current contraceptives. It is particularly important for GPs to understand the risks and benefits of the various contraceptive methods available in Australia and ensure patients understand how to use their method of contraception properly.

"This education activity will be useful for GPs when helping women to choose the contraceptive that is right for them by weighing up the possible advantages and disadvantages of contraception options.

"Factors such as a women's age, desire for children, sexual activity, risk for sexually transmitted infections, family history and personal health risks are important and need to be considered when discussing contraception satisfaction and needs.

"This new education module provides an interactive and practical approach to managing contraceptive needs in general practice. As it is available online, GPs can complete this learning activity anywhere at any time," said Dr Mitchell.

The new activity, which is free for RACGP members, consists of multiple choice questions, case studies and a contraceptive counselling interview.

At the end of this module participants should be able to:

Appreciate that many issues affect, and determine, a woman's choice of contraceptive
Identify circumstances that may favour the use of contraceptives containing oestrogens and situations favouring progestogen-only methods
Describe how contraceptives can contribute to the management of acne and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Compare the possible benefits and risks of available contraceptive methods for women at different stages of their reproductive lives, particularly adolescents, women in their 20s, women between pregnancies and women who have completed their families
Differentiate premenstrual syndrome (PMS) from PMDD Confidently use a formal symptom diary with all women experiencing cyclic symptoms to enable more accurate diagnosis of menstrual cycle conditions.

This new learning activity has been developed through an educational grant from Bayer Schering Pharma.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is responsible for maintaining standards for quality clinical practice, education and training, and research in Australian general practice. The RACGP has the largest general practitioner membership of any medical organisation in Australia and represents the majority of Australia's general practitioners.

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners