• Marguerite Duane, Logan Waechtler, Margaret May, Deepa Manda, Noah F Gomez, and Theresa M Stujenske.
• Department of Family Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC.
• Fam Med. 2024 Jul 1; 56 (7): 414421414-421.

Background And ObjectivesFertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) are evidence-based means of tracking observable biomarkers of a woman's fertility for the purpose of reproductive health monitoring and family planning. However, medical education regarding FABMs is limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 4-week, two-part online elective on students' knowledge of FABMs, confidence in explaining and offering them to patients, and anticipated behaviors in future practice.MethodsThe online elective, "FABMs for Family Planning and Women's Health," was delivered from August 2020 to May 2023. Students completed pre- and postknowledge surveys. Paired t tests and the Wilcoxon signed rank test were used for analysis of the data.ResultsA total of 571 students completed the elective, and 462 students completed both pre- and posttest surveys (response rate=81%). Students' knowledge of FABMs increased significantly. Posttest scores increased by a mean of 9.02 for Part A and 5.95 for Part B. We identified a significant increase in students' confidence discussing FABMs to avoid pregnancy, achieve pregnancy, monitor reproductive health, and address reproductive health concerns. At the completion of the elective, students were significantly more likely to offer FABMs as an option for most or all women.ConclusionsThis online elective addresses the knowledge gap in FABMs and was effective in improving students' knowledge of FABMs and their confidence and willingness to offer these methods to patients for family planning and management of common women's health conditions.

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