Standard Days Method (SDM)
This module is designed to be used by clinical trainers and pre-service educators with a thorough understanding of adult learning principles and the ability to provide clinical training on FP topics in pre-service or in-service settings.
Designed to actively involve the trainees in the learning process, sessions include the following components:
- a session plan
- PowerPoint presentations
- simulation skills practice in the form of role plays
- discussions
- skills practice using objective competency-based skills checklists
Learning Objectives
By the end of the training, trainees should be able to do the following:
- Describe the characteristics of the Standard Days Method (SDM) in a manner that clients can understand:
- What is the Standard Days Method and how it works
- Other characteristics (e.g., absence of STI/HIV protection, role of couple communication, when to initiate and discontinue)
- Effectiveness and requirements for correct use
- Why some women like SDM
- Demonstrate the ability to offer the SDM:
- Screen clients for eligibility for SDM
- Determine when to initiate SDM use (e.g., postpartum, breastfeeding, recent use of hormonal methods)
- Explain to clients how to use the SDM to identify fertile days and monitor cycle length using both CycleBeads® and paper-based instructions for SDM
- Discuss with clients protection during fertile days by using condoms or avoiding intercourse
- Explain when the method will no longer work for the client (period comes too early or too late)
- Explain when to seek assistance from a provider (e.g., client no longer meets the method requirements or had sex on a fertile day)
- Explain how to provide continuing support to the user.
Read the Quick Start guide below, if you haven't already--and then explore the tabs at left to walk through the Facilitator's Guide, illustrative examples, presentation slides, handouts, and more--all of which you are free to adapt for your training participants' needs.
