A new low-dose levonorgestrel intrauterine contraceptive
Reference
McNamee, K., Bateson, D., 2020, A new low-dose levonorgestrel intrauterine contraceptive, Medicine Today, 21(8) 39-42Patient-delivered partner therapy for chlamydia in Australia: can it become part of routine care?
Reference
Goller, JL., Coombe, C., Bateson, D., Temple-Smith, M., Tomnay, J., Vaisey, A., Chen, M.Y., O'Donnell, H., Groos, A., Sanci, L. and Hocking, J., 2020, Patient-delivered partner therapy for chlamydia in Australia: can it become part of routine care?, CSIRO Publishing, available online https://doi.org/10.1071/SH20024Research Highlights
Acceptability of the female condom in Australia
Madorra study
Research status
Completed
Overview of Study
Vaginal dryness (secondary to vulvovaginal atrophy) affects over half of post-menopausal women, who may experience everyday discomfort, increased rates of urinary tract and yeast infections, and pain with sexual intercourse. It is also often experienced by breast cancer survivors, due to treatments that cause oestrogen levels to drop. Currently, the most effective treatment for vaginal dryness is topical hormone therapy; however the safety of this is of concern for some women, such as breast cancer survivors.
Compass trial
Research status
In progress
Overview of Study
On 1 December 2017, the National Cervical Screening Program introduced new recommendations for cervical screening – asymptomatic women aged 25 to 74 years should have a Cervical Screening Test (CST) every 5 years.
The Compass trial is a randomized controlled trial which aims to compare 2.5 year cytology screening (Pap smear) with the 5 yearly HPV screening.
Experiences of using a phone service for reproductive and sexual health care
Research status
In progress
Overview of Study
Telehealth is the remote delivery of healthcare through telecommunication tools. To support access to healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, in March 2020 the Australian government announced temporary Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for telehealth/phone services provided by doctors and nurse practitioners.
Reproductive coercion screening and outcomes at a family planning service
Research status
In progress
Overview of Study
Reproductive coercion (RC) occurs when a person's autonomous decision-making regarding reproductive health is compromised by another individual's behaviour. Use of routine, non-invasive screening questions asked of service users/clients may be an effective preventative response to reproductive coercion. Two RC screening questions were introduced at Family Planning NSW in December 2018, in addition to the existing domestic violence routine screening questions.
Evaluation of abortion services at Family Planning NSW
Research status
In progress
Overview of Study
Family Planning NSW commenced provision of medical abortion services in January 2020 and surgical abortion services in April 2020. As with all health services, ensuring good-quality care depends upon effective processes for monitoring, evaluation, and quality assurance and improvement. An evaluation is being undertaken to assess the implementation process of abortion service provision at FPNSW, utilising quantitative and qualitative methods between July 2020 and June 2021.
IUD insertion experiences of young nulliparous women
Research status
In progress
Overview of Study
There are a number of factors that may support or prevent women from choosing an intrauterine device (IUD), a long acting reversible contraceptive (LARC). One factor among many may be concerns from women regarding pain or discomfort related to the IUD insertion procedure, particularly for nulliparous women. Although much research has focused on quantifying pain levels, little research has been undertaken to explore the subjective views and experiences of young, nulliparous women having an IUD inserted, which this study being led by Family Planning NSW aims to address.
The female condom: How acceptable is it to Australian women?
Research status
Completed
Overview of Study
The female/internal condom is a barrier method for prevention of sexually transmissible infections and unintended pregnancy, however uptake remains low in Australia. Family Planning NSW conducted a study which aimed to explore the views and experiences of women in NSW regarding the female condom. (This was an investigator-initiated study, partially funded by the Female Health Company, and with FC2 female condoms provided by GLYDE Health. Ethics approval for the study was obtained from the Family Planning NSW Human Research Ethics Committee (approval #R2018-08))
