Developing a resource of adolescent sexual and reproductive health clinics for school nurse practitioners

Abstract

Background/significance: School nurse practitioners can play a vital role in improving adolescents’ access to sexual and reproductive health education. Purpose/Aim: The purpose of this project was to create an online resource of sexual and reproductive health clinics within the communities on the Big Island, Maui, Kauaʻi, Lanaʻi, and Molokaʻi to be utilized by nurse practitioners located in school clinics. The project aims to improve the knowledge, intention, and perceived ability of nurse practitioners in making referrals for sexual health clinics. Methods: This project implemented an educational intervention for school nurse practitioners in the Big Island, Maui, Kauaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi. A pre-post test design was utilized to assess the knowledge, attitude changes, and perceived ability among school nurse practitioners before and immediately after the intervention. Nurse practitioners received an online in-service training and have continuous access to a guide of adolescent-friendly referral clinics for students on each island. Pre and post surveys were completed to measure the knowledge, confidence, and comfort of school nurse practitioners in providing reproductive and sexual health referrals. Results/Outcomes: The analysis of the pre and post intervention data showed improvements. The participants showed increased confidence towards providing sexual health referrals. There was an improvement in the participants’ perceived ability to make community referrals and having the necessary resources to do so. There was also a small increase in the knowledge of nurse practitioners. Conclusion: This project indicated that an intervention can increase a provider’s ability and confidence to facilitate referrals to sexual health clinics for adolescents. The findings from the project indicate there can be a significant impact from interventions that promote access to sexual and reproductive health resources to adolescents. Implications/Recommendations: Future projects can focus on the various barriers that exist for sexual and reproductive health care and resources for adolescents.