FSRH press release: FSRH launches new SDI qualification for maternity and abortion care clinicians

The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) is happy to announce the launch of a new qualification that will allow clinicians working in maternity and abortion services to provide subdermal implants (SDI) for contraception.

The standard qualification currently on offer by FSRH supports healthcare professionals working in general practice, community and hospital services to both insert and remove SDIs. In contrast, the new qualification being launched today covers only the insertion of SDIs and is solely limited to UK clinicians working in abortion and maternity services.

The new qualification is based on the structure of the Letter of Competence in Subdermal Contraceptive Implant Techniques (LoC SDI) and has been extensively peer reviewed. The LoC SDI Insertion Only (LoC SDI-IO) aims at filling the unmet qualification needs of professionals who routinely perform SDI insertions but not removals. It has been developed by FSRH’s General Training Committee following consultation with midwives and abortion providers.

Dr Cindy Farmer, Chair of FSRH General Training Committee, said: 

“The Letter of Competence in Subdermal Contraceptive Implant Techniques Insertion-Only (LoC SDI-IO) supports the immediate commencement of subdermal contraception following pregnancy. We know that fertility and sex resume quickly after pregnancy. Short interpregnancy intervals are associated with poorer neonatal outcomes. There is, therefore, a need for effective contraception within this patient group.

In this context, the qualification ensures that appropriately trained clinicians are providing this service. At present the LoC SDI-IO is limited to clinicians working in abortion and maternity services only and it will not be extended to other groups. However, we will continue to review the demand for training in subdermal contraception provision and, if a clear need for training opportunities in other staff groups is identified, the General Training Committee will consider these carefully.”

Ends

Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 27 Sussex Place, London NW1 4RG. Charity No. 1019969.

Notes to editors:
•  The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare is the largest professional membership body working in sexual and reproductive health in the UK. It supports healthcare professionals to deliver high quality care. Its vision is of a world where quality SRH is accessible to all. It grants diplomas, certificates, fellowships and equivalent recognition of specialist knowledge and skills in family planning and reproductive health care. It has nearly 16,000 members - doctors and nurses of whom over 10,000 are general practitioners. It promotes conferences and lectures, provides members with an advisory service and publishes The Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care. For more information please visit  www.fsrh.org
• Find more information about the new LoC SDI IO here.
• For further information please contact:

Camila Azevedo
FSRH External Affairs & Standards Officer
Email: externalaffairsofficer@fsrh.org
Telephone: 02037945309