It Starts With Me: Cervical Screening Provider Training for members of the Aboriginal Health Workforce

This course delivers the theoretical and clinical knowledge required for members of the Aboriginal Health Workforce to independently provide cervical screening services. Course content is based on the Australian National Cervical Screening Program and is accredited through Cancer Council Victoria.

The first two days of the course involve classroom-based learning with lectures, demonstrations, hands-on simulation, group work and role-plays.

A practical session on day three aims to provide a supportive environment to practically apply the theory from the course. In a one hour session, you will undertake a consultation and perform a speculum examination on a real-life person - a clinical teaching associate (a paid staff member of SHV) under the direct supervision and support of a SHV clinician. 

There is approximately 3 hours of online learning which can be completed prior to the course start date (when access to the online learning platform becomes available) or after the course.

After the course, you will have access to two ½ day clinical placements at SHV's Box Hill clinic* to support the development of clinical skills and competence.

*Noting there is a current waiting list, clinical placements can also be undertaken in your place of work under the supervision of an experience cervical screening provider (Preceptor), or with the support of a Preceptor listed on Cancer Council Victoria's public Preceptor list Cervical Screening Preceptors.

Presenters

Meet our presenters

Course Content

• The National Cervical Screening Program
• Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology pathophysiology (the body, how it works, and how HPV and/or cervical cancer can change this) in relation to cervical screening
• The impact of human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Primary and secondary prevention of cervical cancer and population-based screening
• Cervical screening consultation and communication skills
• Trauma informed care
• Management of results and medico-legal responsibilities (where a medical situation might involve legal issues) 
• Screening vulnerable and diverse populations
• Introduction to contraception
• Introduction to sexually transmissible infections
• Vulvo-vaginal health.

Eligibility

• This course is open to Aboriginal Health Practitioners, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, and Midwives working within Aboriginal Health settings in Victoria
• Where numbers permit, Aboriginal Health Workers in Victoria are encouraged to attend the theory component of the training (days 1 & 2) and training may be considered for Enrolled Nurses who are encouraged to apply
• Evidence of current national registration through Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) will be required for Nurses, Midwives and Aboriginal Health Practitioners as part of the registration process.

Outcome

Certificate of Competency: Cervical Screening

Able to apply for Cervical Screening Provider Certification with Cancer Council Victoria. A Certificate of Competency will be issued following successful completion of all course components.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) 

24 hours 

Cost 

Course fees are funded by Cancer Council Victoria as part of the It Starts With Me Project supported by the Victorian Government, which is a collaborative project with VACCHO and the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer. Coverage of course fees is open to Aboriginal Health Practitioners, Nurses, Midwives and Aboriginal Health Workers working in Victorian Aboriginal Health settings.

Terms and Conditions