Sterilisation counselling: a role for the gynaecology nurse-practitioner.
A recent publication of an evidence-based clinical guideline for male and female sterilisation by the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (RCOG) created a stimulus for a review of our female sterilisation service. We arranged for a gynaecology nurse-practitioner (A.O.) with extensive experience in general gynaecology and contraception to undergo additional training in counselling female sterilisation. She then took over the daily running of the sterilisation clinic using a care pathway and pre-printed letters. She had open access to a consultant (R.F.) for advice. A review of 100 consecutive referrals showed that the nurse followed the guidelines extremely closely both in terms of referral to the medical team for advice and/or further counselling and quality of documentation. A total of 59% of the women attending the clinic were cared for by the nurse-practitioner alone. Only four had to see a consultant. All women questioned expressed very positive comments about the style and content of counselling and just one stated she preferred to see a doctor.
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Division of Women's and Children's Health, Taunton and Somerset Hospital, Taunton, UK.
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Evans
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Fox
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D037001:Directive Counseling / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology; D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D024802:Nurse's Role; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013245:Sterilization, Reproductive / Q000451:nursing*