Supporting emotional well-being: impacts on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) nursing practice

Introduction: The Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) patient journey has been likened to a roller coaster ride with both physical and emotional highs and lows. Given the key role that ART nurses play as they accompany patients on their journey, it is imperative to understand the issues that impact on practice and potentially contribute to clinical risk. The aim of this study was to explore and understand the clinical practice experiences of ART nurses in Australia. Methods: A qualitative, grounded theory (GT) approach was used. Purposive and later theoretical sampling facilitated recruitment of Registered Nurse (RN) participants. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with RNs from metropolitan and regional ART units. The constant comparative approach was used in data analysis. Results: One key issue that arose in this study related to the role that ART nurses play in supporting the emotional wellbeing of patients. At times, this support posed a risk to the emotional wellbeing of the nurses. Access to specific education and training emerged as a factor that the ART nurses perceived were crucial to optimise their ability to provide support for the wellbeing of patients as well as themselves. Conclusion: Clinical risk management is a key consideration in all areas of health care. Given that ART nurses play a pivotal role in the co-ordination of the treatment journey it is imperative that strategies are in place to ensure that they have access to support and training to minimise risk to their own well-being and maximise patient safety and outcomes. This research contributes a unique perspective to the existing body of knowledge and highlights the complexity of the ART nurse role as well as potential areas of risk. Findings from this research can inform: practice development; quality assurance; and education for ART nurses and are translatable to the global context.