Knowledge, self-efficacy and practices of advanced practice nurses regarding the provision of gynecological and reproductive healthcare services to disabled women with impaired mobility

This study examined the knowledge, self-efficacy and practices of advanced practice nurses (APNs) in the State of Texas regarding the provision of women’s healthcare services to females with disability. Data supplied by more than 1400 APNs in response to a mailed, voluntary, anonymous survey revealed that nearly half of these APNs provide women’s healthcare services and the majority sees disabled patients. The APNs, however, received little-to-no education in their APN coursework regarding providing healthcare services to persons with disability. While overall knowledge scores were high, knowledge was lacking in care of the woman with spina bifida. Self-efficacy in provision of women’s healthcare services was found to be related to knowledge and perceived accessibility of the environment. Characteristics associated with accessibility were not frequently present in the APN’s work environment, yet the majority of APNs rated their workplace as being very accessible. Although further research is recommended, it is concerning that APNs offer women’s healthcare services to disabled women without receiving disability-specific education in their graduate programs. APNs are thus not fully supported, in their education and environment, in providing competent care to this population. Until changes are made, the provision of care to disabled women with impaired mobility by APNs may not be optimal. Further study into the practice of the APN in care of disabled women is warranted.\r\n\r\n

Name thesis:degree_name

PhD

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Grantor

The University of Texas Medical Branch

Year dc:date.issued

2005

Author dc:creator

• Cheryl A. Lehman

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Gayle D. Weaver

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Steven V. Owen PhD
• Kenneth J. Ottenbacher PhD
• Jean L. Freeman PhD
• Elizabeth T. Anderson RN DrPH FAAN

• Nurse Practitioner
• clinical nurse specialist
• certified nurse midwife
• advanced practice nurse

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © is held by the author. Presentation of this material on the TDL web site by The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston was made possible under a limited license grant from the author who has retained all copyrights in the works.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Dc Identifier Other

etd-12012005-204022

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:utmb-ir.tdl.org:2152.3/275