Evaluation of a rural nurse-led clinic for female sexual dysfunction

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore changes in the sexual function of women who attended a rural nurse-led female sexual dysfunction clinic. This exploratory study was designed as a one-group pre-test/post-test design from a convenience sample of women attending the clinic. The setting was a women's health centre located in regional Western Australia. One hundred eleven women aged between 18 and 65 years were recruited from clinic attendees. The Australian version of the validated McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire was completed before the first appointment (T0), and 1 (T1) and 6 months (T2) after the last appointment. Women attending the clinic reported significant increases in sexual desire, satisfaction and orgasm quality and achievement at 1 and 6 months after their last appointment. There was also a significant increase in satisfaction with their main sexual partner at 6 months. This study confirmed the value of an innovative approach to managing female sexual dysfunction in a rural area with workforce shortages and limited health services. It is recommended that care by a nurse-led multidisciplinary team be used in the management of sexual dysfunction. Further research is needed to see if this model of care would be effective in other settings.