GPNs playing leading role in women’s health and contraceptive care, report finds 

A new report has spotlighted the leading role of nurses in women’s health and contraceptive care within general practice.

The Power of Practice Nurses report – based on an exclusive Nursing in Practice survey of more than 600 GP nursing staff – revealed that more than three-quarters (78%) of practice nurses carry out cervical screenings on a ‘regular basis’.

Another key responsibility of general practice nurses (GPNs) is contraceptive care – with 75% of GPNs carrying out contraceptive pill checks and 39% reporting that they prescribed in this clinical area.

Meanwhile, 78% said they administered injections and a third (33%) reported providing emergency contraception.

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Almost four in 10 (37%) of GPNs surveyed in the report said they specialised in women’s health, with GPNs providing a broad range of support in other areas, including:

• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening and management
• Menopause management
• Menstrual health management
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) advice and selection but not prescribing
• HRT prescribing and advice
• Fertility and preconception care
• Domestic screening / violence
• Perinatal care

The pivotal role of practice nurses 

Ruth Bailey, advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) in sexual health at Havens Health Primary Care and chair of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) women’s health forum, said the role of GPN’s in providing women’s health services ‘can’t be understated’.

‘GPN’s are pivotal in advising women on their choices, providing information and managing side effects,’ she told Nursing in Practice.

Increasingly, GPNs are widening access to contraception through their roles as LARC [Long-Acting Reversible Contraception] fitters, trainers and prescribers.’

She added: ‘It is vital that this is sustained through investment in education and rewarded a salary that reflects these enhanced skills.’

Menopause management 

Some 23% of GP nursing staff responding to the survey said they were prescribing in HRT for menopause management, and a further 39% also discuss menopause management with their patients.

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‘Nearly half’ of the GPNs surveyed for the report also said they were initiating and adjusting treatment regimens, including changing medications or dosages when needed in a range of clinical areas, including in women’s health and contraception, as well as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and wound care.

Marilyn Eveleigh, registered nurse, midwife and health visitor, and Nursing in Practice advisory board member, said doctors regularly rely on the ‘clinical insight’ of nurses, as well as their relationships with patients and their families.

‘Nurses are not subordinates – we are expected and trusted to make decisions,’ she said within the report.

Launched this month and authored by Cogora’s director of content Gemma Collins, the report shines a light on the way in which practice nurses lead initiatives around clinical policy, quality improvement, and clinical audits, and are instrumental in helping practices meeting Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF).

The report demonstrated the breadth of expertise GPNs bring to general practice, including when leading in the assessment and treatment of wound care, an area where almost half of GPNs (47%) prescribe treatment.

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The report comes as part of Nursing in Practice’s How Nurses Count campaign which aims to highlight the true value of GPNs by demonstrating their leadership, innovation and influence.

Through interviews on our website and in our podcasts, the campaign is spotlighting the power of practice nurses and sharing accounts of the positive impact of nurses in general practice.