RSH Theory Course Providers

Introduction

The ICGP Reproductive and Sexual Health (RSH) Committee awards the Certificate in Contraception.

Candidates wishing to apply for the Certificate in Contraception must attend a theory course in contraception. Many GP trainees wish to apply for the certificate during their GP training years and therefore some training programmes run the theory course as part of the day release programme. The theory course must comply with the requirements of the Reproductive and Sexual Health Committee (RSH) and must be approved by the RSH committee. 

RSH Theory Course requirements

• The RSH Theory course should be run over the equivalent of 1.5 days.
• The theory course should cover the syllabus listed below.
• Course conveners should ensure that the course has been approved by the RSH committee, see below.

RSH Theory Course learning outcomes

The learning outcome of the theory course is to acquire knowledge in contraception, and the learning outcomes are as follows:

• Be able to discuss all methods of contraception currently available.
• Be able to provide basic counselling and advice about all these methods.
• Know how to initiate the use of hormonal and non-hormonal contraception and deal with common problems.
• Knowldedge of emergency contraception.
• Understand the physiology of fertility and basic assessement of infertility.
• Know how to undertake a sexual health assessment / consultation/Screening..
• Knowledge of cervical cytology screening.
• Knowldege of how to conduct a consultation on unintended pregnancy.
• Knowedlge of termination and complications.
• Knowledge of the law relating to young people.
• Knowledge of medico-legal and ethical issues specific to sexual health care.
• Knowledge of how to deal with common gynaecological presentations in general practice.

RSH Theory Course syllabus

• The Contraception Consultation
  Counselling in methods of Contraception Choice of method
• Scientific Basis of Fertility
  Physiology of human reproduction
• Hormonal Contraception
  Combined oestrogen and progestogen contraception Progestogen only contraception
• Barrier Methods and Spermicides
  Condoms, diaphragm, cervical and vault caps Spermicides
• Long-Acting Reversible Contraception
  Types of IUCD's and Levonorgestrol IUS Subdermal implants
• Emergency Contraception
  Hormonal emergency contraception Emergency IUD
• Sterilisation
  Tubal ligation and vasectomy Counselling and complications
• Natural Contraception
  Methods of natural contraception
• Crisis Pregnancy
  Summary of current legal situation in Ireland and medical council guidelines
  Non-directive counselling for women with crisis pregnancy
  Methods of pregnancy termination
  Risks and complications of termination – recognition and treatment
  Post termination care
• Contraception for young people
• Contraception in the perimenopause
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
  Sexually transmitted infections, presentation, diagnosis and management
  Pelvic inflammatory disease Management of vaginal discharge
• Health prevention
  Cervical screening
• Fertility
  Pre-conceptual care
  Initial assessment and basic investigations for infertility
• Gynaecology
  Menstrual disorders

How to apply for approval?

Course conveners must apply to the Reproductive and Sexual Health Committee for approval of a theory course. You must apply at least once per year or each time a course is held if held less often than once per year. Application must be forward to jana.pickard@icgp.ie or posted to Jana Pickard, ICGP, 4-5 Lincoln Place, Dublin 2.

Course application form for consideration of the RSH Committee

Contact

If you wish to contact the RSH Committee, please do so in writing to:

RSH Committee
C/O ICGP, 4-5 Lincoln Place, Dublin 2

Documents

 Application form for course providers (Application_form_for_course_providers.pdf | 199 KB)