Course Overview: RCN Accredited Contraception and Sexual Health in Primary Care Course (6 Months)

This course, developed in collaboration between your employer and BBO Training Ltd., offers an in-depth and comprehensive preparation for experienced nurses practicing in primary care settings. It equips nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide holistic contraceptive and reproductive sexual health care.

Overall Aim of the Course:

The primary objective of this course is to empower qualified nurses to deliver exceptional contraceptive and reproductive sexual health services in collaboration with their medical colleagues within the primary care setting. This course endeavors to raise awareness of sexual and contraceptive health issues within this patient group and foster safe practice through the utilization of Patient Group Directions (PGDs) and protocols.

Course Philosophy:

The course philosophy is rooted in the belief that healthcare practitioners play a pivotal role in promoting health and addressing the unique needs of patients seeking contraception and sexual health screening services within primary healthcare. This course facilitates the transition of healthcare workers into resources that empower patients to make confident contraceptive choices and take ownership of their sexual health. The integration of theoretical knowledge and practical skills is imperative for this goal to be achieved. Furthermore, the course is committed to promoting a culture of inclusion and diversity across all aspects, including student support, course development, teaching, assessment, and research.

Teaching and Learning Experience:

Throughout this course, students will have the opportunity to:

- Attend and actively participate in diverse sessions encompassing workshops, simulations, discussions, seminars, and tutorials.

- Gain practical exposure to contraceptive and reproductive sexual health practices within their own localities.

- Enhance their knowledge and skills through clinical practice, encompassing all contraception methods, their composition, efficacy, indications, contra-indications, and modes of action.

- Develop advisory skills within the broader realm of reproductive sexual health.

- Engage in clinical practice sessions.

- Complete a minimum of 36 hours of supervised clinical practice, maintaining an ongoing assessment record and reflective diary.

Expected Class Content:

- Workshops, Discussion Groups, Lectures, and Assessment: 35 hours

- Clinical Practice/Visits, etc.: Minimum of 36 hours

- Private Study: 50 hours

Private study time is allocated for Faculty module completion, reading, and literature searches. This dedicated study time facilitates effective writing, referencing within the reflective diary, and preparation for the final assessment.

Assessment:

All components of the course are compulsory. Components 1-4 need to be successfully passed to complete the course. A resit option is available for any component that is not initially passed, limited to one attempt.

1. Reflective Diary: An ongoing document, validated by the student and mentor, integral to the portfolio of evidence.

2. Clinical Outcomes: Validated and passed by the mentor, requiring the achievement of all outcomes.

3. Viva: Minimum pass mark of 50%

4. Final Test of Knowledge: Minimum pass mark of 50%

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be capable of:

1. Evaluating appropriate contraceptive methods and sexual health needs within a reflective diary.

2. Demonstrating clinical assessment and treatment proficiency through completion of clinical competencies in practice, as well as in knowledge through a viva and short answer test.

Students will develop specific skills in:

3. Engaging in discussions and educating individuals about aspects of sexuality, fertility, and its control.

4. Displaying sensitivity and competence in obtaining a sexual history.

5. Addressing the unique needs of diverse patient groups and providing tailored care.

6. Fulfilling professional responsibilities, particularly related to record-keeping and confidentiality.

7. Effectively teaching all methods of contraception.

8. Working with Patient Group Directions and protocols in contraception and reproductive sexual health (unless already a prescriber).

9. Assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the individual needs of the patient.

This six-month course is designed to empower nurses to provide exemplary contraceptive and sexual health care, ensuring holistic well-being and informed choices for patients within the primary care environment.