Engendering Quality : Informed and Voluntary Decision Making :

Resources & Tools

Curricula and Training Modules

Counseling the Obstetric Fistula Client: A Training Curriculum
Counseling is an integral part of comprehensive fistula care services. The curriculum guides nurses, midwives, and physicians to help their clients make informed and voluntary decisions about their care. The curriculum addresses counseling needs related to fistula prevention, treatment, and social reintegration. Service providers can also find information about how to engage with the client’s family and how to link the client to supportive organizations in the community.
Files: English (PDF, 2.5MB) and French (PDF, 2.8MB)

Counseling the Traumatic Fistula Client: A Supplement to the Obstetric Fistula Counseling Curriculum
Clients seeking care for traumatic fistula—fistula caused by sexual assault—need access to counseling that addresses the complex effects of their condition. This supplement complements the counseling curriculum to address the physical, social, and psychological impacts specific to traumatic fistula. The supplement also provides information on how health care providers working with traumatic fistula clients can seek support for themselves.
Files: English (PDF, 3.2MB) and French (PDF, 3.2MB)

Tools

Informed Consent in Fistula Care
Informed consent is a critical component of quality fistula care services. This booklet for service administrators, staff, and supervisors provides guidance on counseling patients before fistula surgery. Clients may find the provided information helpful in making an informed decision on care.
Files: English (PDF, 630KB) and French (PDF, 617KB)

Informed Consent Form
This form is a template for service providers that can be used or adapted for providers to counsel fistula patients before surgery.
Files: English (PDF, 34KB) and French (PDF, 36KB)