MCM9301 - Women's sexual and reproductive health in general practice

Leader(s): A/Professor D Mazza

Offered

Clayton First semester 2009 (Off-campus)
Clayton Second semester 2009 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit addresses aspects of women's sexual and reproductive health commonly encountered in the general practice setting. It will consider the particular way that women's sexual and reproductive health issues present in the general practice context, current controversies in women's sexual and reproductive health, current evidence and guidelines pertinent to investigation and management of womens sexual and reproductive health issues and consideration of the women's medical issues in a psychosocial context.

Objectives

On completion of this course you should:

1. Demonstrate improved knowledge and insight into womens health;
2. Respond sensitively and competently to womens sexual and reproductive health issues in the general practice context;
3. Critically appraise the controversial issues related to sexual and reproductive health;
4. Have an appreciation of the psychosocial context of women's sexual and reproductive health;
5. Be aware of current evidence and guidelines in relation to womens sexual and reproductive health;
6. Describe normal pubertal development and appropriately manage primary amenorrhoea and dysfunctional uterine bleeding in adolescence
7. Have a good working knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of contraception, as well as know the indications, adverse effects and contraindications of their use;
8. Recognise the issues involved in women deliberating over proceeding with a termination of pregnancy and know how to counsel them in a non judgemental way;
9. Diagnose and manage sexually transmitted diseases and effectively counsel patients regarding sage sex, recognising and addressing barriers to safe sex practice;
10. Proactively provide preconception care and be able to manage early pregnancy loss and couples attending your practice with subfertility;
11. Understand the principles behind cervical and beast cancer screening and know how to manage abnormal smears;
12. Describe the research base relevant to hormone replacement therapy and be confident managing common menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis;
13. Have an appreciation of issues involved in sexuality and be able to counsel women about commonly encountered sexual problems;
14. Appreciate the prevalence of violence against women, understand the physical and psychological consequences of it and be able to counsel women appropriately when these issues are disclosed.

Assessment

Journal (50%)
Audit of current practice (25%)
Case Study (25%)