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Evaluation of a rural nurse‐led clinic for female sexual dysfunction
Author(s) -
Hakanson Catherine,
Douglas Charles,
Robertson Jeanette,
Lester Leanne
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
australian journal of rural health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.48
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1440-1584
pISSN - 1038-5282
DOI - 10.1111/ajr.12076
Subject(s) - medicine , orgasm , workforce , reproductive health , family medicine , sexual dysfunction , sexual function , human sexuality , multidisciplinary approach , nursing , test (biology) , nurse practitioners , health care , gerontology , psychiatry , gender studies , paleontology , population , social science , environmental health , sociology , economics , biology , economic growth
Objective The objective of this study was to explore changes in the sexual function of women who attended a rural nurse‐led female sexual dysfunction clinic. Design This exploratory study was designed as a one‐group pre‐test/post‐test design from a convenience sample of women attending the clinic. Setting The setting was a women's health centre located in regional W estern A ustralia. Participants One hundred eleven women aged between 18 and 65 years were recruited from clinic attendees. Main outcome measure(s) The A ustralian version of the validated McCoy F emale S exuality Q uestionnaire was completed before the first appointment ( T 0), and 1 ( T 1) and 6 months ( T 2) after the last appointment. Results Women attending the clinic reported significant increases in sexual desire, satisfaction and orgasm quality and achievement at 1 and 6 months after their last appointment. There was also a significant increase in satisfaction with their main sexual partner at 6 months. Conclusions This study confirmed the value of an innovative approach to managing female sexual dysfunction in a rural area with workforce shortages and limited health services. It is recommended that care by a nurse‐led multidisciplinary team be used in the management of sexual dysfunction. Further research is needed to see if this model of care would be effective in other settings.