Approximately one-quarter of women in Australia have experienced an unintended pregnancy, with one-third of these ending in an abortion (1). Access to effective methods of contraception can contribute to the prevention of pregnancies, but only around 11% of women are using long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) in Australia (2). Many women experience considerable barriers when accessing contraception and abortion care (3, 4).
Primary care providers play a critical role in providing contraception services and supporting pregnancy options, but the number of LARC and emergency medical abortion (EMA) providers remains low, particularly in remote and rural areas. Due to a lack of training opportunities, appropriate remuneration, access to peer and expert support, and referral pathways, many women are required to seek care outside their local area, which can pose significant financial and logistical challenges and potentially causing delays to appropriate care.
The Australian Contraception and Abortion Primary Care Practitioner Support (AusCAPPS) Network is a national and secure online community designed to support general practitioners, nurses and pharmacists in providing LARC and EMA. The network provides
The opportunity to ask questions to peers and expert clinicians
Connection to a database of general practitioners, nurses and pharmacists who provide LARC and EMA services in primary care
Access to LARC and EMA training and education opportunities
Access to clinical resources and guidelines
Evidence-based research and updates related to LARC and EMA
Access to webinars and podcasts about LARC and EMA care
Taft AJ, Shankar M, Black KI, et al. Unintended and unwanted pregnancy in Australia: a cross-sectional, national random telephone survey of prevalence and outcomes. The Medical Journal of Australia 2018;209(9):407-08. doi: 10.5694/mja17.01094
Sundaram A, Vaughan B, Kost K, et al. Contraceptive Failure in the United States: Estimates from the 2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2017;49(1):7-16. doi: 10.1363/psrh.12017 [published Online First: 2017/03/01]
Grzeskowiak LE, Calabretto H, Amos N, et al. Changes in use of hormonal long-acting reversible contraceptive methods in Australia between 2006 and 2018: A population-based study. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2021;61(1):128-34. doi: 10.1111/ajo.13257
Munro S, Guilbert E, Wagner M-S, et al. Perspectives Among Canadian Physicians on Factors Influencing Implementation of Mifepristone Medical Abortion: A National Qualitative Study. Annals of family medicine 2020;18(5):413-21.
Maroubra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) is now open The Maroubra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) is now open, seven days a week, from 8.00am to 8.00pm. It was officially launched by member for Kingsford Smith, the hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP (pictured at the launch with CESPHN CEO Nathalie Hansen…
Media Release: Central and Eastern Sydney PHN releases Healthy Ageing Strategy to empower older people In response to the increasing longevity and rapid growth of the older population the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) is proud to release its new Healthy Ageing Strategy 2023-2028. This comprehensive strategy…
Immunisation Weekly Update: Are your vaccines ready for summer? In the summer season, storms are more likely to occur, which can lead to power outages. Refer to the Cold Chain Toolkit to ensure all vaccination storage requirements are in place should an outage occur. Disposal of Zostavax® Zostavax® vaccine will…
Immunisation Weekly Update: COVID-19 XBB.1.5 vaccine onboarding The Australian Government has accepted the latest advice from ATAGI on the use of the new COVID-19 XBB 1.5 vaccine as part of the National COVID-19 Vaccine Program. All sites currently participating in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program will be onboarded for the three…
Immunisation Weekly Update: Increase in COVID-19 infection cases ATAGI notes a recent increase in COVID-19 cases since November 2023 across Australia and encourages all eligible people who have not yet had their recommended 2023 COVID-19 vaccine dose/s to receive them as soon as possible. A first 2023 dose is recommended…
Immunisation Weekly Update: Vaccination coverage in RACF Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) data suggests that only 36% of people aged 70+ living in the central and eastern Sydney PHN region are immunised against Pneumococcal diseases. Immunisation providers are reminded to check AIR immunisation history statements of patients going into Residential Aged…
Immunisation Weekly Update: Introduction of Shingrix® to the NIP From 1 November 2023, the shingles vaccine Shingrix® will replace Zostavax® on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule for the prevention of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia. It will be available for eligible people most at risk of complications from shingles. A…
NSW urged to prepare for heat wave Severe heatwave conditions are forecast in NSW in the coming days. Please read the NSW Health media release about taking steps to prevent heat-related illness. For further information about staying safe in a heatwave, visit Beat the heat and stay well during hot…