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Description:
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This study examined the knowledge , self -efficacy and practices of advanced practice nurses (APNs ) in the State of Texas regarding the provision of women’s healthcare services to females with disability . Data supplied by more than 1400 APNs in response to a mailed , voluntary , anonymous survey revealed that nearly half of these APNs provide women’s healthcare services and the majority sees disabled patients . The APNs , however , received little -to -no education in their APN coursework regarding providing healthcare services to persons with disability . While overall knowledge scores were high , knowledge was lacking in care of the woman with spina bifida . Self -efficacy in provision of women’s healthcare services was found to be related to knowledge and perceived accessibility of the environment . Characteristics associated with accessibility were not frequently present in the APN’s work environment , yet the majority of APNs rated their workplace as being very accessible . Although further research is recommended , it is concerning that APNs offer women’s healthcare services to disabled women without receiving disability -specific education in their graduate programs . APNs are thus not fully supported , in their education and environment , in providing competent care to this population . Until changes are made , the provision of care to disabled women with impaired mobility by APNs may not be optimal . Further study into the practice of the APN in care of disabled women is warranted . \r \n \r \n |