FP / VSC counselling workshop. Part I: Objectives workshop schedule training design and session guidelines for trainers. Draft.

This draft curriculum for trainers was designed by service providers from voluntary surgical contraception (VSC) programs from 10 sub-Saharan African countries. The curriculum is directed to experienced nurses and family planning (FP) clinic staff who provide counseling to clients requesting VSC. The original training package was field tested in 6 African countries and revised to include instructions that will assist the trainer in using the curriculum and handouts. Additional field testing is expected during 1990. The counseling curriculum has specific objectives in informing the client about VSC helping the client make a voluntary choice and preparing the client for the VSC procedure. The training workshop schedule which is set for 6 days is provided. Daily learning training objectives and the training design are identified for each days session. Guidelines and examples of activities are provided for each days sessions. For day 1 guidelines are provided for the introduction of participants and "ice breakers." Session guidelines are also provided for querying participants about their expectations and about their rationale for FP. Ordinary decision-making situations that occur during VSC counseling are summarized in order to identify the appropriate questions to ask. Discussion is provided on the types of communication used in counseling and the role of the trainer. Handouts reinforce the trainers learning about the types of communication. Session guides prepare in the form of role plays trainers for barriers to counseling. Counselors awareness of their own personal values and impact on the counseling situation is learned in session activities and a values worksheet handout. A feedback sheet for workshop participants is administered at the end of each days session. A midcourse and final course evaluation are also performed. The preparations necessary before conducting a training workshop are indicated. The basic assumptions are underscored for planning a training workshop for counselors. For example it is recommended that workshop participants be partially skilled and trained. The limit is 15 people for skill practice sessions and 10 for trainers who have never conducted a training session.