In clinics, communities, and villages, thousands of health workers have been trained to safely administer DMPA-SC—and support women learning to self-inject.
Country partners have gained significant experience and learning about health worker training and supervision—including how to effectively begin offering a new contraceptive method within the context of informed choice. DMPA-SC training materials comprise a range of traditional and digital resources, including presentation slides, videos, an online training course, and job aids that can be customized for the varying needs of family planning training programs.
WHO’s global family planning handbook provides high-quality, up-to-date guidance for health-care professionals working in low- and middle-income countries.
The DMPA/NET-EN checklist consists of questions designed to identify medical conditions that would prevent safe DMPA/NET-EN use or require further screening and assess whether a client might be pregnant. It also provides guidance and directions based on clients’ responses.
This 32-page publication outlines the GATHER model of family planning counseling, which has been successfully used for nearly two decades and is based on the elements described including tips, illustrations, techniques, technical information, and charts.
The Training Resource Package (TRP) for Family Planning offers curriculum components and tools for trainers to design, implement, and evaluate family planning and reproductive health training. The TRP website includes training information and materials for a wide range of family planning methods.
The TRP’s Progestin-Only Injectable module includes sessions V and VI which are focused on DMPA-SC and self-injection, as well as a number of related handouts and resources. The module was developed for training physicians, nurses, and midwives and other health care providers who offer Progestin-Only Injectable Contraception (“injectables”).
DMPA-SC is a three-month injectable contraceptive that is easy to use and uniquely suited for self-injection. Demonstration and practice injections are a key part of training programs for both health workers and self-injection clients. Based on lessons learned in five countries, this memo summarizes PATH’s recommendations regarding devices for injection demonstration and practice, injection practice models, and waste disposal.
Counseling for Choice (C4C) is an evidence-based approach to contraceptive counseling that supports clients to decide which method is right for them. By addressing many of the root causes of unmet need for contraception and discontinuation, C4C aims to change how providers and clients participate in voluntary family planning (FP) counseling discussions. The approach comprises a thorough training in C4C techniques and the use of the Choice Book for Providers, a job aid and visual tool providers use with clients during counseling sessions.
This checklist is a customizable tool that can be used to monitor Subcutaneous DMPA (DMPA-SC, Sayana® Press) contraceptive self-injection programs and health worker practices. The questions can be adapted as needed to align with local program designs and guidelines. To access the MS Word version of this tool in English or French, please email FPoptions@path.org.
PATH developed this fact sheet in response to questions about the recommended reinjection time frames for subcutaneous DMPA (DMPA-SC). This document summarizes the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for reinjection timing. The brief also explains why clients living with HIV, including those using antiretroviral therapies, can use DMPA on the same schedule as any other client.