Enhancing the roles of practice nurses: outcomes of cervical screening education and training in NSW

Background There is a dearth of information about the roles practice nurses (PN) undertake in Australian general practice and what impact these roles have on patient health outcomes following specific education and training programs. Accurate data is vital to evaluate the usefulness and cost effectiveness of item numbers for PN and funding for PN education, in addition to providing some direction for the future education and support of PN. Methods An anonymous postal survey was sent to all PN who had completed the Family Planning NSW Well Women's Screening Course (WWSC) between 2003 and 2007. Results Over three quarters of respondents reported their clinical role had expanded, that there was need for ongoing education on all aspects of women's health, and for some PN there are barriers to role expansion. Discussion Role expansion has occurred for PN following education and training that contributes to patient outcomes. Existing methods for collecting specific activity of PN are incomplete. Barriers exist in the utilisation of PN which could be overcome with education of both general practitioners and the community regarding the role of PN and the valuable contributions they can make to general practice.