Our Curriculum
Our training curriculum is designed to support quality, person-centered, and evidence-based contraceptive care.
Each training module typically lasts 1-3 hours and may be offered as a standalone session or combined with other modules to meet the individual needs of your organization.
Guidelines, Updates & Best Practices for Contraceptive Care
Contraceptive Update: Guidelines and Best Practices for Providing a Full Range of Methods
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Reviews evidence-based guidelines for providing contraceptive care, as well as counseling approaches designed to support patients in making informed and voluntary choices. We will discuss patient eligibility and side effects and benefits and review common misconceptions. We also present updated evidence and new methods, especially those that can be used at all access points, including telemedicine and pharmacy access.
This training addresses the provision of a full range of methods and can also focus specifically on IUDs and implants.
Contraceptive Care for Adolescents
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Reviews best practices for adolescent contraceptive counseling and care. We will examine evidence-based clinical practices and CDC guidelines through case studies to evaluate eligibility for a range of contraceptive methods and to address common patient concerns. Participants will learn practical tips for counseling adolescents about risks, benefits, and side effects of contraceptive methods in a thorough, non-judgmental manner using shared decision-making. This approach includes counseling young individuals how to access their preferred methods, including beyond clinic walls, via telemedicine and directly in pharmacies.
Emergency Contraception: Updates and Guidelines
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Explores best practices and new developments in the provision of emergency contraception. Topics include: dispelling common myths, mechanisms of action, the role of BMI and weight, and safety and side effects. We will also discuss the resumption or initiation of hormonal contraception after the use of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), the evidence supporting advanced provision of ECPs, and the use of the levonorgestrel (LNG) IUD for emergency contraception.
Contraceptive Care for Gender Expansive Individuals
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Reviews best practices for providing contraceptive care for transgender and gender expansive individuals who have a uterus and ovaries. Topics include: taking a gender-inclusive sexual history, contraceptive method considerations, and guidance for providing trauma-informed pelvic care to people of all gender identities.
Contraceptive Care for Individuals with Bigger Bodies
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Reviews weight stigma, the Health at Every Size® framework, and best practices and updated evidence for the provision of contraception for patients with bigger bodies.
Counseling Skills and Person-Centered Care
Contraceptive Counseling Fundamentals
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Focuses on person-centered counseling techniques, shared decision-making, and contraceptive preferences and priorities. Through interactive case studies, participants will become more comfortable responding to common patient concerns around contraception and counseling on side effects using a person-centered framework.
Sharing the Science: Applying Shared Decision-Making in Contraceptive Care
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Provides an opportunity for learners to explore the role of shared decision-making in contraceptive counseling. Participants will practice offering scientific information and using non-judgmental, person-centered counseling in common, challenging real-world scenarios. Cases include encounters with patients who have concerns about weight gain, breakthrough bleeding, and complex feelings around pregnancy.
Reproductive Justice
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Explores the history of coercive contraceptive practices in the United States as well as key principles of the Reproductive Justice movement. Participants will discuss strategies for applying these principles to patient encounters and review counseling practices and clinic policies that uphold patient autonomy.
Mitigating Bias in Contraceptive Care
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Explores implicit bias and how applying the principles of cultural humility can improve the quality of contraceptive care. Through guided exercises and self-reflection, participants practice strategies and techniques to improve clinical outcomes and the patient experience.
Clinical Skills
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Clinical skills modules are developed based on the needs of each training site and available either virtually or in person. Topics may include:
- Basic IUD Placement and Removal Skills
- Complex IUD Placements and Removals
- Complex Implant Removals
- Management of Prolonged or Irregular Bleeding
- Pain Management for IUD Placement
- Proctoring
To schedule an in-person or virtual training for your organization, contact Erica Somerson, Manager, Training & Technical Assistance: