Dr. Karena Hanley:

It is not our position to comment on rogue agencies and I might see if Dr. O'Shea wants to reply. I want to talk about counselling in crisis pregnancy. We have clear guidelines for such counselling. Our published literature is available to everyone on the ICGP website, not just members.

In terms of counselling, the three main goals of the process are as follows. First, establish rapport and gain the trust of the woman in crisis. Second, help her formulate a clear definition of the problem, which can be very interesting. Sometimes perspective can change when the matter is talked through, which is important to note. Third, enable her to establish goals for the management and resolution of the crisis. Our publication goes on to describe how one gives the woman space, and one gives her information about all of the alternatives that are available. There is a list of websites at the back of the publication where a lot more information can be gathered. One gives her the opportunity to explore the implications of each of the options. We give the woman the opportunity to assess her feelings, wishes and circumstances, and also further supports. Often one will have us of the website. IT development in general practice is very well advanced in Ireland and most of us will be able to show a woman where to go for assistance on the website.

In terms of how the best practice model can be more uniformly distributed, that is always a challenge of medical education. There are multi-factoral ways in which we handle this matter in all areas. It is through our monthly publication forum, email shots and elearning platforms. All GPs have a requirement to gather continual professional development points. For example, the reading of our guide can be recorded as CPD points. There are ways. If it is felt that there is a need to promote this area then the college is in a very good position to do so.

Does Dr. O'Shea wish to answer any of the other questions?