What We Offer
Our training curriculum is designed to support quality, patient-centered, and evidence-based contraceptive care.
We offer training modules on the following topics:
- Guidelines, Updates, & Best Practices for Contraceptive Care
- Counseling Skills and Patient-Centered Care
- Clinical Skills
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. These training modules can be delivered either virtually or in person. Please see below for additional information about our training content offerings.
Guidelines, Updates, & Best Practices for Contraceptive Care
CONTRACEPTIVE UPDATE: GUIDELINES AND BEST PRACTICES FOR PROVIDING A FULL RANGE OF METHODS
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, compare and contrast side effects and benefits, and review common misconceptions.
This training can focus specifically on IUDs and implants or address provision of a full range of contraceptive methods.
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION: UPDATES AND GUIDELINES
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
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
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 Patient-Centered Care
CONTRACEPTIVE COUNSELING FUNDAMENTALS
Focuses on patient-centered counseling techniques, shared decision-making, and common contraceptive priorities. Through interactive case studies, participants will become more comfortable responding to common patient concerns around birth control and counseling on side effects using a patient-centered framework.
SHARING THE SCIENCE: APPLYING SHARED DECISION-MAKING IN CONTRACEPTIVE CARE
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, patient-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
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
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
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
Learn more about our Virtual IUD Practicum.
If your clinic or organization is interested in setting up a training tailored to your goals and needs, please contact our Training & Technical Assistance Manager, Erica Somerson, at [email protected].
Accreditation
Our training program is accredited by the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education. In support of improving patient care, the University of California, San Francisco is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team,
