Innovative multidisciplinary models of intrauterine device provision in primary care

Primary care clinicians including general practitioners, nurse practitioners and practice nurses have a key role in meeting the needs of women’s reproductive care including pregnancy, termination, contraception, and sexual health. They have expertise in patient diagnosis, treatment and improving access for those most at risk of an unintended pregnancy e.g. priority populations such as rural and remote communities. This care includes the provision of efficacious forms of contraception such as intrauterine devices (IUDs). In practice, there are barriers to the provision of sexual and reproductive health services, and little is known about how innovative multidisciplinary models are enacted in practice to meet patient needs. Through a literature review and interviews with primary care clinicians, this research seeks to understand how to implement innovative multidisciplinary IUD models of care in the primary care setting. This project sits within SPHERE, an NHMRC funded Centre of Research Excellence in Sexual and Reproductive Health for Women in Primary Care. SPHERE is led by Professor Danielle Mazza and supported by multidisciplinary students and researchers in the Department of General Practice. The successful candidate will have opportunity to be part of this team with support from supervisors.