Rethinking referral pathways: qualitative evaluation of general practice networks to increase access to intrauterine contraception

BACKGROUND: Long-acting reversible contraceptives are recommended first-line contraception; however, intrauterine device (IUD) uptake remains low in Australia. OBJECTIVES: To describe the outcomes of an independent evaluation of the General Practitioner IUD Insertion Network (GPIIN), a project designed to address access barriers through formalized referral pathways between general practitioners (GPs) inserting IUDs and noninserters. METHODS: An independent qualitative pragmatic inductive evaluation, involving 14 in-depth interviews with GPIIN members, was conducted 18 months post-GPIIN implementation in 2 Australian jurisdictions to identify and explore critical success factors and limitations of the model. RESULTS: Local GP-to-GP IUD referral networks were considered a useful model to assist affordable and timely IUD access, improve noninserters’ IUD knowledge and inserters’ reflection on best practice. However, pathway simplification is needed to determine optimal integration of the concept into pragmatic GP-to-GP referral arrangements. CONCLUSIONS: GPIIN provides an opportunity to improve IUD access in Primary Health Care. Further consideration of organizations best positioned and resourced to facilitate sustainable delivery and coordination is necessary.