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Commentary
Long-acting reversible methods of contraception: unified training
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  1. Amanda Britton1,
  2. Anne Connolly2
  1. 1GP Principal, Hackwood Partnership, Basingstoke, UK and Associate Specialist in Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare
  2. 2GPwSI in Gynaecology, The Ridge Medical Practice, Bradford, UK
  1. Correspondence to Dr Amanda Britton, Hackwood Partnership, Essex House, Essex Road, Basingstoke, Hants RG21 8SU, UK; amandabritton{at}nhs.net

https://doi.org/10.1136/jfprhc-2013-100792

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    Overview

    Improving access to long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods is an essential aspect in the work of reducing unwanted and unplanned pregnancies. This requires easy access to an appropriately trained workforce. Working together with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the Royal College of Nurses (RCN), the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) has enabled both nurses and doctors to gain qualifications for the provision of LARC without necessarily holding Diplomate status within the Faculty.

    LARC provision

    Holistic delivery of contraception includes being able to offer and deliver a full choice of contraceptives. The LARC methods include subdermal implants, injectable progestogens and intrauterine contraceptives [copper-containing intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (IUS)]. The particular advantages of these LARC methods include their reliability and effectiveness. In 2005, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)1 recognised LARCs as being the most cost-effective contraceptive methods, and for these reasons the promotion of such methods was encouraged. The importance of ensuring comprehensive and readily available training for health care professionals was highlighted. Having a substantial number of trained implant and IUD fitters enables good access to, and availability of, LARC methods for women and also ensures good quality patient care.

    Assessment of competency

    The competency of LARC fitters is acknowledged in different ways, by holding a Letter of Competence in subdermal implants (LoC SDI) or …

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      British Medical Journal Publishing Group
      BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health 2014; 40 79-79 Published Online First: 19 Mar 2014. doi: 10.1136/jfprhc-2014-100920