title: A service-based approach to nurse training in sexual and reproductive health care.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop and pilot a reproducible curriculum for nurses with limited or no sexual and reproductive health care (SRH) experience to become competent dual-trained practitioners. The model used supernumerary training posts and clinical training and assessment adapted from that used to train doctors for the Diploma of the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare in the UK.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  There is currently no standard SRH nurse training in the UK. Nurses undertake various university-based qualifications supported by clinical sessions, and employers can be reluctant to sponsor these because of the cost and the time required.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two nurses were employed on a 6-month programme consisting of five parts: (1) the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) e-learning programme, in conjunction with e-Learning for Healthcare; (2) the FSRH 'Course of 5'; (3) structured clinical training; (4) visits to other relevant services; and (5) clinical supervision and mentoring. Assessment was by a portfolio of evidence; signed competences; reflections from clinical sessions; and outcomes of visits to services. The project was evaluated by means of questionnaires and interviews with trainees and staff.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The project demonstrated that by using a model similar to that used for basic SRH medical training it is possible to train nurses in core holistic SRH care within the workplace. Many SRH services are reporting severe difficulties in the recruitment of nurses trained in SRH, and this practice-based training would allow services and providers to invest in training to build up the workforce they require.
authors: Senior Research Associate/Specialist Nurse, Department of Sexual & Reproductive Health, University College London, Institute for Women's Health, London, UK.
authors: Jill
authors: J
authors: Shawe
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Cox
authors: Nikki
authors: N
authors: Penny
authors: Alison
authors: A
authors: White
authors: Christopher
authors: C
authors: Wilkinson
mesh_terms: D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003479:Curriculum; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D010865:Pilot Projects; D060728:Reproductive Health / Q000193:education*; D034121:Reproductive Health Services; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: education and training; service delivery