Basic Infertility for Healthcare Providers (BIHCP)

Basic Infertility for Healthcare Providers (BIHCP) is organized by American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

Release Date:  April 1, 2013
Reviewed & Updated:  January 31, 2024
Expiration Date: January 31, 2026

Description:
This training provides a foundational awareness of reproductive biology, infertility causes, and infertility treatment options. This training covers female fertility, including anatomy, menstrual cycle intricacies, gamete production, fertilization, and implantation. On the male side, it explores reproductive tract anatomy, common causes of male infertility, and general health considerations. It equips participants to outline reproductive anatomy, identify hormonal changes, and evaluate infertility, which is essential for healthcare professionals in reproductive medicine.

Needs Assessment and Identification of Practice Gap:
Both clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals, including but not limited to physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, physician assistants, licensed practical nurses, medical assistants, laboratory technicians, mental health professionals, genetic counselors, and practice managers, who work in reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) and assisted reproductive technology (ART) settings provide education, counseling, support, and direct care to patients seeking assistance with conception. Many academic programs lack formal introductory educational opportunities in this clinical specialty.  A recent quality improvement study involving REI nurses reported that nurses and nurse practitioners receive little to no school training specific to REI, and any transferrable skills result from experienced nurses who transition into the REI field from other specialty areas. Fewer than 5% of new physician assistant (PA) graduates participate in residency training programs, and PAs working in specialty practice typically have very limited specialty education and training prior to employment.

Health professionals entering the field of infertility would benefit from an introductory course of study.³ This training opportunity addresses these gaps by providing basic theoretical and practical knowledge specific to the clinical area of infertility, addresses minimum competency needs, and provides a foundation for more advanced training. Gaining this foundational knowledge will assist these professionals in fulfilling their roles safely and capably, ultimately contributing to improved quality of care and patient outcomes.

Educational Objectives:
At the conclusion of the educational activity, participants should be able to:

• Outline the anatomy of the female and male reproductive tract and the physiology of conception.
• Identify the hormonal and functional changes in the menstrual cycle, gamete production, and the steps of basic embryologic development.
• Survey basic preconception health considerations for female and male patients.
• List the basic elements in the infertility evaluation and initial investigation of infertility for female and male patients.

Course Outline:
Lesson 1: Introduction to Female Fertility and Reproduction
Lesson 2: Basic Female Reproductive Anatomy & Menstrual Cycle
Lesson 3: Female Gamete Production, Fertilization, Transportation
Lesson 4: Infertility Causes & Preconception Health: Female
Lesson 5: Male Reproductive Anatomy
Lesson 6: Infertility Causes & General Health Considerations: Male