Family planning courses

Abstract

The UK Family Planning Association set up the 1st training courses for nurses and for doctors in the 1950s. In 1974 family planning (FP) training was taken over by the Joint Board of Clinical Nursing Studies and in 1983 by the National Boards. Courses are available throughout the UK. National Board Course 901 prepares a nurse midwife or health visitor in all aspects of FP and education to work in community clinics general practitioner surgeries hospitals or the home by counseling people in fertility control sexuality and health. In Wales participants who successfully complete the course gain 1 credit at certificate level within the Welsh National Boards Framework for Continuing Education. The English National Board course AO8 a specialist course for FP nurses is open to nurses midwives or health visitors with certificates of competence and skills such as taking cervical smears and fitting barrier methods of contraception. The course is part time over 26 weeks. Appreciation courses are 2-4 day courses for qualified nurses to update their knowledge particularly for nurses who may give FP advice and information but who are not working with FP clients in a clinical setting. The English National Board Course 985 develops the skills of nurses who meet patients with psychosexual problems but feel unable to respond adequately. In Scotland the National board set up courses in FP nursing. Participants undertake a minimum of 6 days theory and 8 practical assessments. Individual colleges of nursing develop their own curriculum and Greater Glasgow Lothian and Forth Valley Health Boards have approved courses. On completion nurses are awarded a Statement of Competence in Family Planning Nursing.