The Provincial Health Services Authority has launched a new Decision Support Tool (DST) for registered nurses (RNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) who carry out pelvic exams.
RNs and RPNs who carry out pelvic exams or cervical cancer screening must possess the competencies and follow decision support tools established by the Provincial Health Services Authority.
The new DST can be found
here.
Key updates include:
- Guidance for RPNs as well as RNs;
- Removal of specific restrictions for providing pelvic exams to individuals less than 14 years of age and those who are pregnant;
- More generalized guidance to support nursing practice in a variety of clinical settings;
- Expanded and updated indications for pelvic exams;
- Updated guidance on supporting a trauma informed approach to pelvic exams;
- Expanded guidance on culturally safe and culturally grounded care; and
- Guidance on supporting patient choice in having learners observing or participating in providing pelvic exams.
Nurses should direct questions to their professional practice leads.