Training in family planning

Abstract

In spite of extensive programmes for training in family planning and extensive services in contraception in the UK, the number of unplanned pregnancies has not decreased. On the contrary it is increasing. Medical graduates are now educated in methods of contraception. There is an extensive programme for postgraduates, regulated by the Joint Committee on Contraception (JCC), which is well integrated and co-ordinated. The provision of good training opportunities at a local level will be enhanced by the establishment of consultant posts in Reproductive Health/community Gynaecology and the development of higher training programmes to meet the projected expansion of these posts. They can play a role in education in reproductive health with respect to sexuality and personal relationships, as well as in the provision of family planning services and training to all reproductive health care professionals and teachers.

PIP: In spite of extensive programs for training in family planning (FP) and extensive services in contraception available in the United Kingdom, the number of unplanned pregnancies has been increasing. Medical graduates are now educated in methods of contraception. There is an extensive program for postgraduates regulated by the Joint Committee on Contraception. Good training opportunities at the local level will increase by the establishment of consultant posts in Reproductive Health/Community Gynecology. In 1974, the National Health Service Family Planning Act brought FP education within the National Health Service. At that time, unwanted pregnancies in England and Wales exceeded 250,000 per year, over 50% of pregnancies were unplanned, and there were more than 150,000 abortions/year. Recommendations were made by the General Medical Council that the curriculum to educate medical students should include human reproduction, fertility regulation, and sexuality as recognized in the Todd Report on medical education in 1965-68. When FP became part of the National Health Service and thus, the responsibility of general practitioners, there was a need for postgraduate medical education to educate practitioners, many of whom had limited gynecological skills, in FP methods. The number of trainees has gradually increased from over 1000 annually to over 2000 in 1991, with a total of over 30,500 since the inception of the training program in 1975. Knowledge of FP is an essential component of the Diplomate of Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists examination. The Department of Health commissioned the Handbook of Contraception for doctors in primary care. Course 901 of the English National Board describes details of the specific training program for nurses who are then qualified to work as FP nurses to help couples choose a contraceptive method.