Extended training equips nurses to undertake diagnostic hysteroscopy.

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Advanced Practice Nursing
• Medical Education

Background:

• Outpatient hysteroscopy departments traditionally focused on diagnostic procedures.
• Consultant gynecologists sought to expand services to include simple operative procedures.
• A need was identified to train nurses to manage diagnostic hysteroscopy workload.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of an advanced practice hysteroscopy module for nurses.
• To enable nurses to independently perform diagnostic hysteroscopy.
• To evaluate the impact of nurse-led diagnostic hysteroscopy services.

Main Methods:

• Development of a collaborative advanced practice hysteroscopy module between Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Bradford.
• Training of two nurse facilitators through the academic and practical components of the module.
• Transition of diagnostic hysteroscopy workload to trained nurse practitioners.

Main Results:

• Nurses successfully completed the advanced practice hysteroscopy module, acquiring necessary skills and competence.
• Trained nurses are now capable of practicing diagnostic hysteroscopy independently.
• Patient feedback on the nurse-led service has been positive.

Conclusions:

• Advanced practice training enables nurses to competently perform diagnostic hysteroscopy.
• Nurse-led hysteroscopy services can effectively manage diagnostic workload and improve patient care.
• This initiative demonstrates a successful model for expanding gynecological services through nursing expertise.