Practice Nurse Provision of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Knowledge and Practices

To describe practice nurse long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) knowledge and practices.

Cross-sectional survey.

Between July and December 2021, we conducted an online survey using convenience sampling to recruit Australian nurses who work in primary care, known as practice nurses. We collected data about demographics and knowledge and practices relating to LARC. Analysis used descriptive statistics and Poisson regression.

From 489 eligible responses, most respondents were women and the majority worked in metropolitan practices. Most (90.4%) believed that their advice could influence women's contraceptive choices. Few inserted/removed intrauterine devices (IUDs) (11.2%) or implants (15.9%). Of those that did insert LARC, most did so one to five times in the last month (IUDs 72.2%; implants 73.6%). General practice as a primary place of work was negatively associated with implant provision. Respondents with more general practice experience (≥ 15 years) and/or higher qualifications were more likely to respond correctly to knowledge questions and provide IUDs or implants. Most (62.8%) correctly identified IUD suitability for nulliparous women.

Practice nurses have knowledge gaps and limited practice opportunities for LARC provision.

Practice nurses need supportive funding policies and ongoing education and skills development to enhance patient access to LARC and their choice of provider.

CHERRIES guideline.

Partner organisations assisted with the study's recruitment.

ACTRN12622000655741.