RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore changes in the sexual function of women who attended a rural nurse-led female sexual dysfunction clinic. DESIGN: This exploratory study was designed as a one-group pre-test/post-test design from a convenience sample of women attending the clinic. SETTING: The setting was a women's health centre located in regional Western Australia. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eleven women aged between 18 and 65 years were recruited from clinic attendees. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The Australian version of the validated McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire was completed before the first appointment (T0), and 1 (T1) and 6 months (T2) after the last appointment. RESULTS: Women attending the clinic reported significant increases in sexual desire, satisfaction and orgasm quality and achievement at 1 and 6 months after their last appointment. There was also a significant increase in satisfaction with their main sexual partner at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the value of an innovative approach to managing female sexual dysfunction in a rural area with workforce shortages and limited health services. It is recommended that care by a nurse-led multidisciplinary team be used in the management of sexual dysfunction. Further research is needed to see if this model of care would be effective in other settings.