The Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Practice Nurses in the Provision of Medication Abortion: A Cross‐Sectional Survey

TL;DR

This study finds that Australian practice nurses have low knowledge and limited involvement in medication abortion, suggesting a need for education and policy changes to improve patient access.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the role of practice nurses in medication abortion and identifies barriers to their involvement.

Findings

Practice nurses have low knowledge about medication abortion and its provision.

Nurses with advanced qualifications and longer experience are more likely to be involved in abortion care.

Education and funding are needed to increase nurse involvement in abortion services.

Abstract

To examine practice nurse knowledge, attitudes, and practices about medication abortion in Australia.

Cross‐sectional survey.

A national online survey was conducted from July to December 2021. Nurses working in general practice were recruited using convenience sampling. Data collected included demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices in abortion care. Analyses used included descriptive statistics and Poisson regression.

From 489 responses, knowledge about medication abortion, its provision, and efficacy was low. Although many respondents felt it was acceptable to assist in medication abortion, few indicated involvement. Those with advanced qualifications had greater perceived knowledge of abortion counselling. Respondent involvement in medication abortion was more likely if they had worked in general practice for a long time, their primary place of work was outside of general practice, or had advanced nursing qualifications.

Given their role in the community, there is an opportunity to better utilise practice nurses for abortion care. Incorporation of abortion into the nursing curriculum and routine practice, including supportive funding mechanisms for care, is needed.

Low knowledge and a lack of practice nurses providing abortion services adversely impact patient access.

Practice nurse provision of medication abortion has not yet been optimised.While practice nurses reported acceptability to provide abortion care, this could be enhanced with funding, education, and service normalisation.These results will inform policy makers, educators, patients, general practices, and nurses to support patient access to abortion care.Incorporating abortion care into nursing curriculum and practice will support women's access to these services.

Practice nurse provision of medication abortion has not yet been optimised.

While practice nurses reported acceptability to provide abortion care, this could be enhanced with funding, education, and service normalisation.

These results will inform policy makers, educators, patients, general practices, and nurses to support patient access to abortion care.

Incorporating abortion care into nursing curriculum and practice will support women's access to these services.

CHERRIES guideline.

Professional groups, family planning organisations, industry, and government grant partners supported the study's recruitment.

ACTRN12622000655741

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