AUSTRALIA’S first set of contraception guidelines for pharmacists and GPs has been released, following recent criticism of emergency contraception use.
Contraception: an Australian Clinical Practice Handbook, published by Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia (SH& FPA), was developed as a definitive guide for all clinicians working in the area of sexual and reproductive health.
Recent developments in contraceptive practices, long-standing contentious issues and unclear protocols prompted SH&FPA to develop the handbook.
The publication provides information about the efficacy, safety and appropriate use of all contraceptive methods, as well as summary tables outlining medical eligibility.
Dr Kathy McNamee, senior medical officer of Family Planning Victoria, said the resource was a result of collaboration between member organisations of SH& FPA, and the expertise of medical practitioners from around Australia.
“It is aimed at facilitating good clinical practice in the delivery of sexual and reproductive health services through the provision of well-founded consensus recommendations directed to the Australian setting,” Dr McNamee said.