Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) are very effective in preventing pregnancy but they require a health professional trained in IUD insertion to carry out the insertion procedure. Intrauterine devices are most commonly inserted by physicians in Australia. However, registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners in other countries have increasingly been inserting IUDs, which reduces the need for physician availability to provide this service.
In 2012, FPNSW implemented a competency-based IUD insertion training program for FPNSW RNs. The training program, adapted from an existing IUD insertion training program for general practitioners, included a theory component and training on a pelvic model, followed by 10–12 supervised insertions with FPNSW Medical Officers (MOs).
A study was undertaken to evaluate the IUD insertion outcomes by participating RNs during a 6-month follow-up period by way of a file audit, and to investigate the attitudes and experience of the RNs and MOs who were involved in the training process through a telephone interview and online survey, respectively.
Findings from this study suggest RNs who completed the IUD insertion training had a high rate of successful insertions and a low rate of adverse outcomes. Most RNs viewed this as an opportunity to increase their critical thinking and procedural skills. Mentoring from MOs provided RNs with additional support to develop the required skills. MOs were supportive of RN-led IUD insertions and the expansion to their scope of practice.
RNs are well-placed to provide IUD insertion services when appropriately trained to do so in the family planning context. Training RNs in this procedure is likely to increase the availability of IUD services for women choosing this contraceptive method.
(This research project has been approved by the Family Planning NSW Ethics Committee; approval number R2011-06)