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Training to fit intrauterine devices/intrauterine systems for general practitioners: is there an alternative method of service delivery?
  1. Deborah J Lee, MFFP, MRCGP, Associate Specialist in Reproductive Health, Lead Doctor for Medical Education and Training
  1. Southampton Contraception & Sexual Health Service, The Quay to Health, Southampton UK
  1. Correspondence to Dr Deborah Lee, Southampton Contraception & Sexual Health Service, The Quay to Health, 27 Harbour Parade, Southampton, Hampshire SO15 6BA, UK. E-mail: debbie.lee{at}scpct.nhs.uk

Abstract

Background and methodology This paper questions the traditional method of obtaining intrauterine device (IUD) and intrauterine system (IUS) training, by highlighting the pitfalls of this training, and introduces community IUD/IUS training, a new model offering significant advantages.

Discussion and conclusions Traditional IUD/IUS training is not optimal for a variety of reasons including scarcity of designated IUD/IUS clinics, long distances for travel to be trained, wasted clinic appointments, a tendency towards difficult IUD/IUS fitting in these specialist clinics, and a lack of suitable doctors as IUD/IUS trainers. Community IUD/IUS training enables the trainee to be involved in patient selection, setting up an IUD/IUS clinic (probably for their own future use) and following up their own patients. Community IUD/IUS fitting has definite advantages and much to commend it.

  • general practitioner
  • intrauterine device
  • intrauterine system
  • long-acting reversible contraception
  • training

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