Reproductive Health Refresher Online

The Reproductive Health Refresher Training brought together 17 Occupational Health Nurses (OHNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) from across the Western Cape. This online session provided a valuable space for colleagues to reconnect, share experiences, and strengthen their knowledge and skills in reproductive health care.

The refresher aimed to support nurses in delivering high-quality, evidence-based services that meet both occupational health standards and South Africa’s broader public health priorities. The lively participation and rich discussions highlighted the commitment of our nursing colleagues to providing the best possible care for their patients.

The key objectives of the training were to:

The training focused on:

• Updating participants on the latest guidelines and policies in reproductive health.
• Refreshing knowledge of family planning, maternal health, and sexual health in the workplace setting.
• Strengthening practical skills in health education, counselling, and referral pathways.
• Reinforcing ethical, legal, and confidentiality principles in reproductive health care.
• Supporting integration of reproductive health promotion and prevention into workplace health programmes.

Course Content

The programme covered a range of important topics, including:

1. Professional, ethical and policy-driven service delivery
2. Rights-based approaches to contraception and fertility planning
3. Ethical conduct in counselling
4. Integration of TB, HIV, and chronic disease management into reproductive health services
5. Effective monitoring and evaluation practices
6. Providing informed choice across contraceptive methods
7. Applied learning through case studies, encouraging participants to apply knowledge in practical workplace scenarios

Approach and Learning Methods

The refresher used a blended approach designed to keep sessions interactive and engaging:

• Lectures and presentations for updated theoretical input.
• Group discussions and case studies to encourage peer learning and practical application.
• Practical demonstrations of clinical and counselling techniques.
• Interactive sessions where participants shared personal experiences and best practices.

Outcomes

The 17 participants brought diverse backgrounds and workplace experiences, creating dynamic discussions and meaningful knowledge exchange. The interactive activities, particularly the case studies, allowed nurses to reflect on real-world scenarios and build confidence in applying updated guidelines in their daily practice.

This training reaffirmed the dedication of nurses in the Western Cape to advancing patient-centred, ethical, and holistic reproductive health care.

Thank You

A heartfelt thank you to all the nurses who participated with such energy and openness. Your commitment to continuous learning and the well-being of your patients made this training a success. We also extend our gratitude to the supporting facilities and organisations that enabled their staff to attend. Together, we are making a difference in reproductive health care across the Western Cape.