Menopause health care provision: the views of women, general practitioners and practice nurses

Abstract

Objective. To investigate the views of women, general practitioners and practice nurses about current and future menopausal health care, including both health service provision and education. Study design. Questionnaires were sent to a random sample of 1,000 women aged 40-65 and all general practitioners and practice nurses in the Wigan and Bolton area. Main outcome measures. Responses to questions about knowledge and views about the menopause, hormone replacement therapy and health care. Results. Completed questionnaires were returned from 59% (587/998) of women, 64% (181/281) of general practitioners and 82% (147/180) of practice nurses. Only 39% (219/555) of women, 63% (113/179) of general practitioners and 27% (39/144) of practice nurses were satisfied with their knowledge about the menopause/HRT. Ninety-four per cent (170/181) of general practitioners and 100% (143/143) of practice nurses felt the role of the practice nurse in menopause care could be developed in the future. Only 48% (66/139) of general practitioners wanted a practice based menopause/HRT clinic as opposed to 83% (109/131) of practice nurses and 82% (404/496) of women. Twenty-six per cent (41/161) of general practitioners wanted a community menopause clinic in the area as opposed to 73% (99/136) of practice nurses and 75% (351/467) of women. Conclusions. Women, general practitioners and practice nurses want better menopause care provision. There is a need for further education of both women and health professionals and a great deal of support for extending the role of the practice nurse. General practitioners' views on clinic based care are discussed.