Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) Course

This one-day, in-person course provides comprehensive training in dilation and evacuation (D&E), a core procedure used in abortion care and in the management of mid-trimester miscarriage and complex pregnancy complications.

Delivered by expert clinical and educational facilitators, the course combines high-quality teaching with immersive, hands-on simulation. It supports clinicians to develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence required to provide safe, high-quality uterine evacuation care.

Learning objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the clinical indications, evidence base and safety profile of dilation and evacuation (D&E)
  • Identify appropriate cervical preparation methods, instrumentation and anaesthetic approaches
  • Demonstrate the key technical steps involved in D&E using simulation models
  • Recognise and discuss the management of complications, including haemorrhage, cervical injury and uterine perforation
  • Apply clinical decision-making in simulated scenarios related to mid-trimester uterine evacuation
  • Reflect on the professional, ethical and communication considerations involved in providing abortion care

What the course covers

The programme includes a combination of lectures, interactive discussion and practical simulation sessions covering:

  • Clinical overview of second trimester abortion and miscarriage management
  • D&E technique and instrumentation
  • Cervical preparation and procedural planning
  • Hands-on simulation training using procedural models
  • Diagnosis and management of complications
  • Integrated clinical simulation scenarios
  • Human factors and teamworking in complex clinical situations
  • Aftercare and post-procedure management
  • Practical considerations for developing and delivering D&E services

Participants work in small groups during simulation sessions, allowing time for discussion, questions and personalised feedback from faculty.

Who should attend

  • Resident Doctors (O&G, CSRH)
  • Consultants and SAS doctors seeking to develop or refresh skills
  • Clinicians involved in abortion care, miscarriage management or early pregnancy services

This course is suitable for those who are new to D&E, as well as those seeking to update their knowledge and skills in line with current evidence and practice.

Course Format

  • Format: In-person
  • Teaching methods: Lectures, simulation and practical skills training
  • Duration: Full day

How this course fits into training

This course forms part of BSACP’s structured education pathway. It is designed to build on foundational knowledge, such as that gained through Abortion Care Essentials and the Uterine Evacuation Course and supports the development of procedural skills in uterine evacuation across gestations.

It complements training in:

This course also supports preparation for workplace-based competency development through specialty training programmes and theAbortion Care Specialist Modules (ACSM).

Curriculum Alignment

This course supports postgraduate training within both:

  • Obstetrics & Gynaecology (RCOG Core Curriculum 2024)
  • Community Sexual & Reproductive Health (CSRH Curriculum – College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare)

Participation in this course may contribute evidence towards relevant Capabilities in Practice (CiPs), procedural skills and reflective learning within Resident Doctors’ training portfolios.

A detailed curriculum mapping document is available here:

Upcoming Courses

Check our events page for more information on upcoming courses.