Entrance exam (Written exam)
Weekend lecture course
(RACGP points available)
- Introduction to vasectomy
- History of vasectomy
- Various vasectomy techniques
- Equipment for vasectomy
- Setting up a vasectomy procedure room and practice
- Post-procedure care
- Infection control principals
- Post-vasectomy pain syndrome
- Psychological and ethical considerations
- Communication skills. Role play.
- Population health
- Vasectomy in the Indigenous community
- Interpretation of Post Vasectomy Semen Analysis
Supervision 50 cases and practical examination
Although a theoretical understanding of vasectomy is important vasectomy is a practical skill. Historically there has not been a minimum standard set for vasectomy training in Australia. As a result, education has been haphazard, episodic and of various levels of competence.
Any training course must be long enough for the trainee to become competent while not unduly long. Expert opinion suggests that supervision of 50 cases is a reasonable number to ensure patient safety and provider competence. This is also supported by the higher complication rate by inexperienced vasectomy providers. Inexperienced providers operating without supervision offer a potential risk to the public and may be operating beyond their scope of practice.
Logbook 100 cases
Complications from vasectomy are rare but can occur. A logbook submission and review allows any trainee with a statistically high complication rate to be identified, and possible deficits in practice to be addressed. This also sets an expectation of lifelong pathway clinical audit and reflective learning for the new fellow.
