POSTER

The Adolescent Reproductive Health Education Project: Advancing the Care for our Vulnerable Youth

Authors: David A. Levine, MD, Morehouse School of Medicine
Peter Sawires, MS, Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health

Begun in Georgia to address our high rates of teen pregnancy and other risks, Adolescent Reproductive Health Education Project (ARHEP) has trained hundreds of learners and providers. With the success of our GA pilot, ARHEP is now a national model curriculum, with faculty available to do free local presentations.

Objectives: A coalition of academics, community-based organizations, and professional organizations was convened to plan for continuing the gains we have made in GA. The project is coordinated by Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health (PRCH).

Methods: An expert faculty panel developed one hour presentations. Delivered talks were tailored by PRCH to address local epidemiology and services. PRCH provided materials, transportation, and other costs. Topics included Essentials of Contraception, the Physician as Advocate, Male Adolescent Reproductive Health, and 7 others. With the success of the project, presentations were adapted for national dissemination.

Results: The GA project exceeded expectations. In one year, there were 50 presentations, throughout GA, with 926 evaluations received. Feedback from attendees documented 85% increased knowledge, 93% planned to teach ARHEP, and 74% were more likely to provide adolescent care. With this success, the curriculum was converted to a national model and has since been endorsed by AAP, SAM, and ACOG. We reconvened and trained a new, nationally representative, faculty to deliver presentations. We also added patient interaction video clips for use during sessions.

Conclusions: National ARHEP has been launched. Each medical school will receive information about the availability of our trained faculty. Our faculty looks forward to working with you to advance the state of health for our vulnerable adolescents.