As new and lesser-used contraceptives– including the hormonal IUD – are introduced in more countries, innovative approaches to train family planning (FP) providers can help expand access and choice. Digital trainings, which are considered part of the High Impact Practice for digital health, can improve provider knowledge and skills and may offer cost-efficient opportunities to ensure providers are well-prepared to counsel and offer FP methods, even when in-person gatherings are restricted such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On 2 June 2022, representatives from USAID, FHI 360, Society for Family Health, PSI, and Jhpeigo, as well as hormonal IUD manufacturers Bayer and Medicines360, gathered to present emerging evidence supporting the potential use of digital training for FP providers and to give an overview of globally-available online training resources. The event included results from a recent study evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of a hybrid approach to train providers on the hormonal IUD in Nigeria using an online training module. This work was co-funded by USAID through the Research for Scalable Solutions project and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation through the LEAP Initiative. Additionally, the event highlighted three resources made available as global goods:
The Training Resource Package (TRP) for Family Planning, co-sponsored by USAID, UNFPA, and the World Health Organization
Mirena® SimulationOnline™, an online interactive training tool on the insertion and removal of the Mirena® hormonal IUD manufactured by Bayer*
Avibela™ Insertion & Removal Deck & Video, which guide providers through the placement of the Avibela™ hormonal IUD manufactured by Medicines360 and distributed through Impact RH360
A recording of the event is available here and the slides can be reviewed here. Written responses to event Q&A will be made available on request. Any questions about the resources linked above can be directed to info@hormonaliud.org.
* Temporary licenses for Mirena® SimulationOnline™ are available to FP personnel in low- and middle-income countries at no cost. Interested parties can complete a brief application, available here, to request short-term licenses.