Date of Graduation

Winter 12-11-2020

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Department/Program

Nursing

Program

Family Nurse Practitioner

First Advisor

Dr. Jo Loomis

Second Advisor

Dr. Nancy Selix

Abstract

Purpose/Objectives: The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the effects of preconception screening tools on non-pregnant women between 13 and 44 years old in the primary care setting. The primary care setting is unique because non-pregnant women often visit a primary care provider more frequently than they visit their obstetrician/gynecologists when not pregnant. Every visit to a primary care provider is an opportunity to discuss family planning and evaluate potential health risk factors.

Data Sources: A literature search of peer-reviewed articles from 2010 to 2020 was conducted. The databases searched included: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health line (CINAHL), Cochrane Database and Medline databases.

Conclusions: Preconception screening is an imperative piece for discovering potential risk factors that could impact maternal/fetal health. The literature did not indicate that preconception screening increased the workflow of healthcare workers providing the screening. Preconception screening during routine primary care visits can target the high rate of unintended pregnancies by increasing rates of family planning.

Implications for Nursing Practice: Current evidence reveals that any type of preconception screening led to better health outcomes than no screening at all. The primary care setting is uniquely positioned to see more non-pregnant women consistently than an annual obstetrician-gynecologist visit. The nurse practitioner can optimize each visit to discuss the reproductive health of women ages 13 to 44 and ultimately mitigate negative outcomes for both mother and fetus.

Download

Included in

Nursing Commons

Share

COinS