The Implants course is designed for the healthcare providers who are often tasked with providing Family Planning services - primarily nurses and midwives, clinical associates as well as medical officers - and assumes trainees will have a minimum level of clinical training.
 
Course Description
By the end of the training, trainees should be able to:
 
1. Describe the characteristics of implants in a manner that clients can understand:
What implants are and how they work (mechanism and onset of action).
Effectiveness.
Side effects.
Non-contraceptive health benefits.
Possible health risks (complications).
Other characteristics (STI/HIV protection, ease of use, return to fertility, when to initiate and discontinue).
 
2. Demonstrate the ability to:
Screen clients for medical eligibility for implants.
Explain to clients the insertion, removal, and follow-up procedures.
Explain when to return to the clinic.
Address common concerns, misconceptions, and myths.
Conduct follow-up for implant clients in a way that enhances continuing safety, satisfaction, and acceptance.
 
3. Describe when to initiate the use of implants (postpartum, switching from another method).
4. Explain how to manage side effects.
5. Identify conditions that require switching to another method.
6. Identify clients in need of referral for implant-related complications.
7. Demonstrate how to insert and remove implants.
 
Accreditation
Training content was developed based on the National Department of Health and WHO Family Planning Training Package. It is a critical component of healthcare workers' Continuous Professional Development.
 
Certification
Accredited according to the HPCSA’s Medical and Dental Board Guidelines for Healthcare Professions for Clinical CPD Points. The certificate will be available within 48 hours once the course is successfully completed.
 
Course Design
The course is a self-paced eLearning facilitated by experts in the field. This interactive training program is composed of video lectures, demonstrations, MCQ assessments, case studies and group work.
 
Course content
The following topics are covered under this program:
 
Characteristics and effectiveness of implants
Indications and contraindications
Counselling, providing, monitoring and responding to side effects
Inserting implant
Implant removal
Infection Control & Prevention
 
Assessment
Participants will be assessed on ongoing exercises, pre and post-tests and case studies.
 
Target Audience
All healthcare practitioners: Nurses, Midwives, Clinical associates, and Medical officers.
 
Duration
Self-paced. Takes up to 4 weeks to complete.