"The Lived Experience of FNPs in Primary Care who Perform Sexual Health Assessments
Background: Family nurse practitioners are educated to provide an advanced health assessment inclusive of a sexual health assessment. However, their rates of follow through with such assessments are often not sufficient to assure that the sexual health needs of clients have been met. There is an urgent need for a new approach professionally that promotes a broad, holistic framework for sexual health throughout the lifespan.
Method: Research participants consisted of ten family nurse practitioners in primary care selected through a purposeful, snowball sampling method. In-depth interviews were conducted describing the meaning of performing a sexual health assessment on their adult clients. An interpretive phenomenological approach as outlined by van Manen was the applied methodology for interpretation and reflection of the findings.
Results: The findings of this study revealed an understanding of the common experiences and shared meanings for family nurse practitioners performing sexual health assessments. Five interconnected essential themes were identified that illuminate the experience.
Conclusions: This study contributes improved patient wellness and methods of education on sexuality issues for nurse practitioners. The experiences also served to inform the development of nursing knowledge and decision-making aimed at improving comprehensive nursing assessments, which is inclusive of sexual health assessments. The implications for nursing education include development of pedagogical approaches, teaching and learning strategies, and an understanding of the lived experiences for FNPs when performing a sexual health assessment.