Training nurses in contraceptive implant procedures: implications for practice in Australia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background The contraceptive implant is a long-acting, effective method of contraception. Low uptake in Australia may be partially due to limited clinicians trained in implant procedures. Internationally, nurse-led implant procedures are accepted practice; however, this is not common in Australia. Aim An evaluation was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of implant training for nurses and consider the implications for clinical service delivery. Methods Participating nurses (n = 5) completed pre- and post-training surveys, and three were subsequently interviewed. Supervising doctors and nurses (n = 5) were also interviewed. A file audit was conducted to review implant procedures undertaken post-training. Findings Nurses undertook implant training to acquire new skills and meet patient demand. After the training, all nurses self-reported feeling ‘very confident’ in inserting the implant and at least ‘a little confident’ in removing the implant; the latter had minimal impact on removal success, as indicated in the file audit. Overall, nurses and supervising doctors and nurses felt that nurses could play a greater role in the provision of contraceptive implant procedures in Australia. Discussion Nurse-led procedures would increase access to the contraceptive implant for women, and have a positive impact on service delivery in different healthcare settings; however, funding constraints for nurses remain a significant barrier. Conclusion Nurses are well placed to undertake contraceptive implant procedures. This would increase access to this method of contraception for women. These findings may inform models of care that promote nurse-led contraceptive procedures in Australia.