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Contraception Education for GPs

As part of an overall review of our education, and to continue our ongoing commitment, the Irish College of GPs has updated contraception education for GPs and GP Trainees. The updated education will address the latest evidence base to ensure that patient care for contraception consultations is based on the most up-to-date clinical guidelines.

Contraception Theory Course

The Irish College of GPs has developed a blended approach to the Theory Course in Contraception. GPs and GP Trainees will be able to access two eLearning modules as part of this course, which is accessible at your own convenience.

  • Module 1: Contraception Theory contains the core content which GPs and GP Trainees require to safely prescribe contraception
  • Module 2: Reproductive Health Theory provides additional information on common presentations in general practice that may arise when prescribing contraception

College Members & GP Trainees

Professional Competence Scheme (PCS) enrolees

Certificate in Contraception

For GPs and GP Trainees interested in completing further contraception training, the Certificate in Contraception is available. The application process for this certificate has been updated and is now a fully online process. Postal and/or email applications will no longer be accepted. If you have an existing application underway, please Contact Us. 

Further details including updated logbook, applicant guide and how-to-video for application process are available here:

You must ensure your Contraception Tutor is on the Irish College of GPs database by Contacting Us before completing further contraception training.

Please Note:

  • If you have a Certificate in Contraception logbook or application underway as per the previous process, please contact us
  • The Irish College of GPs cannot accept postal applications for certificates. Please contact us for further information 

Contraception tutors

Contraception Tutors provide training in contraception for candidates who wish to apply for the Certificate in Contraception. The Contraception Tutor must assess the candidate and sign the relevant logbook certifying the candidate has completed the necessary training.
 
Many GP Trainees wish to apply for the Certificate in Contraception during their GP training years. GP Trainees who wish to complete the practical component of the Certificate of Contraception during their GP Registrar years can do so in their training practice by completing a logbook under the supervision of a contraception tutor. Therefore, many GP Trainers or doctors working in training practices are interested in becoming a contraception tutor.

First-time Contraception Tutor applicants

In order to become a Contraception Tutor, you must
  1. hold the Certificate in Contraception OR have a minimum five years' experience post GP Training providing contraception care, and 
  2. register for and complete the Contraception Tutor course, which is available to ICGP Members and Professional Competence Scheme (PCS) enrollees; once registration is complete you will receive email confirmation with a link to start the on-demand course. 

Existing contraception tutors must complete the on-demand Contraception Tutor Course to renew your tutor status on the Irish College of GPs database. Register for the Contraception Tutor course, which is available to College Members and Professional Competence Scheme (PCS) enrollees. 

On-going education

Contraception Tutors are expected to attend ongoing education to update their knowledge. Further information will be provided here in the coming weeks.

Registered Contraception Tutors

In order to remain as a Registered Contraception Tutor, it is necessary to complete a Contraception Tutor course at least once every five years. Certificate in Contraception applicants must check that their tutor is an Registered Contraception Tutor by contacting us.
 
Tutor directory

The college maintains a directory of Contraception and LARC Tutors. This directory is opt-in for registered Tutors to improve accessibility for applicants to Tutors. 

Applicants can Contact Us to request information on Tutors in their area.

When applying for the Tutor course you can choose to opt-in for this directory. Please note, inclusion on the directory is not mandatory. If you do not wish to be included in the directory your status as a Contraception/LARC Tutor will remain valid on the Tutor Register.