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Rethinking referral pathways: qualitative evaluation of general practice networks to increase access to intrauterine contraception
Resource type
Authors/contributors
- Bell, Sara F E (Author)
- Harvey, Caroline (Author)
- Mack, Fiona (Author)
- Lambert, Stephen (Author)
- Lazarou, Mattea (Author)
- Strom, Kay (Author)
- Dean, Judith A (Author)
Title
Rethinking referral pathways: qualitative evaluation of general practice networks to increase access to intrauterine contraception
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Long-acting reversible contraceptives are recommended first-line contraception; however, intrauterine device (IUD) uptake remains low in Australia.
Objectives
To describe the outcomes of an independent evaluation of the General Practitioner IUD Insertion Network (GPIIN), a project designed to address access barriers through formalized referral pathways between general practitioners (GPs) inserting IUDs and noninserters.
Methods
An independent qualitative pragmatic inductive evaluation, involving 14 in-depth interviews with GPIIN members, was conducted 18 months post-GPIIN implementation in 2 Australian jurisdictions to identify and explore critical success factors and limitations of the model.
Results
Local GP-to-GP IUD referral networks were considered a useful model to assist affordable and timely IUD access, improve noninserters’ IUD knowledge and inserters’ reflection on best practice. However, pathway simplification is needed to determine optimal integration of the concept into pragmatic GP-to-GP referral arrangements.
Conclusions
GPIIN provides an opportunity to improve IUD access in Primary Health Care. Further consideration of organizations best positioned and resourced to facilitate sustainable delivery and coordination is necessary.
Publication
Family Practice
Date
2022-11-22
Volume
39
Issue
6
Pages
1109-1115
Accessed
7/7/25, 1:06 AM
ISSN
1460-2229
Short Title
Rethinking referral pathways
Language
en
Library Catalog
DOI.org (Crossref)
Notes
Study topic:
Evaluation of the General Practitioner IUD Insertion Network (GPIIN) model to improve access to intrauterine contraception through formalised GP-to-GP referral pathways.
Study type:
Qualitative evaluation (semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis).
Key findings:
- Formalised GP-to-GP referral networks were seen as useful for improving access to affordable and timely IUD insertion.
- The GPIIN model increased awareness of IUD suitability among non-inserters and fostered peer education and trust.
- Referral pathways were considered overly complex; simplification was recommended to improve usability.
- HealthPathways was identified as a potential platform for sustaining and scaling the GPIIN model.
- Practice manager involvement and dedicated facilitation (ideally via PHNs) were seen as critical for network sustainability.
Citation
Bell, S. F. E., Harvey, C., Mack, F., Lambert, S., Lazarou, M., Strom, K., & Dean, J. A. (2022). Rethinking referral pathways: qualitative evaluation of general practice networks to increase access to intrauterine contraception. Family Practice, 39(6), 1109–1115. https://doi.org/10.1093/fampra/cmac040
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