Checklist for Screening Clients Who Want to Initiate Contraceptive Implants

Family Health International, 2008

Contraceptive implants, such as Norplant, Jadelle, Sino-implant (II), and Implanon, are safe and effective for most women, including those who are at risk of cardiovascular disease, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and HIV infection or those living with HIV. Implants are generally not recommended for women with certain medical conditions, such as breast cancer or most types of liver tumors. Therefore, women who want to use implants must be screened for these conditions to determine if they are good candidates for the method.

Family Health International (FHI) developed a simple checklist (PDF, 101 KB) to help health care providers screen clients who have been counseled about contraceptive options and who have made an informed decision to use implants. FHI’s Implant Checklist is based on recommendations included in the Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (WHO, 2004; updated 2008). It consists of 12 questions to identify medical conditions that would prevent safe use of implants or require further evaluation and assess whether a client may be pregnant. It also provides guidance and directions based on clients' responses.

The Implants Checklist is also available in French and Spanish.

Training and Reference Guide

Accompanying the Implant Checklist is a training and reference guide designed for program managers, administrators, trainers, and service providers interested in learning how to use the checklist to screen women who want to initiate use of implants. Designed to serve as both a training and reference tool, the guide has two parts: a training module and a collection of essential, up-to-date reference materials on implants.

Select printed copies of these materials are available. Click here to make an inquiry.