Key elements of the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner rural initiative include collaboration with local GP-Obstetricians, advanced practice nurses in remote primary healthcare centres and specialists visiting Obstetric services provided by Cairns (FROGS).
Revolutionising Health Outcomes for Indigenous Women
Initiative Type
Model of Care
Status
Deliver
Added
Last updated
Summary
Key dates
Jan 2017
Jan 2018
Implementation sites
Hopevale, Wujal Wujal and Laura in a hub-spoke model from Cooktown.
Aim
Improve access and continuity of women’s health services in a remote and rural community.
Benefits
- improved cervical screening rates including patient initiated appointments.
- improved access to reproduction, sexual health counselling.
- improved investigation and management of gynaecological conditions.
- improved Sexually Transmitted Disease (STI) screening, management and population health directed care.
Background
Cooktown was the first site in Queensland to establish a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner role, in 2008. It exemplifies a Nurse Practitioner (NP) model working to the full scope of their ability – especially in rural Queensland. The position itself has grown, and skills acquired to better meet the service’s needs.
Evaluation and Results
In addition to improved continuity of care, the heath service has seen a growing trust and even reliance on the service provided to our indigenous communities and success measures.
