MSI Australia Wins Quality Improvement Award

29 Nov, 2018 | Media

IUDs are the most effective contraception in Australia, being 99.8% effective in stopping unwanted pregnancies, yet uptake is low compared to the rest of the world. 

Currently only 6.3% of women are using hormonal IUDs, and the uptake of copper IUDs is even smaller.

MSI Australia’s Director of Clinical Excellence Dr Catriona Melville said “women could now choose a more cost-effective pain relief option, Penthrox, when choosing to have their IUD inserted or removed at MSI clinics.”

“We take women’s pain extremely seriously,” said Dr Melville.

“IUD insertion and removal with MSI Australia is often straightforward and minimally painful, with many reporting positive experiences.

“However, we recognise a considerable number of people feel they are unprepared for the severe pain that can occur when having the procedure, as we have heard through the multiple government inquiries into women’s pain that are occurring throughout Australia.

“We took this on board and are broadening pain management options within our clinics.

“We offer IUDs with or without sedation, but we know that the cost of the procedure with sedation can put women out of pocket and they are just not able to pay the price.

“We’re delighted to announce that from September we are now able to offer Penthrox, also known as the green whistle, to women who choose to have their IUD inserted or removed with us.

“For only $55, women and people can now opt to use Penthrox as their pain relief at our clinics throughout Australia.”

MSI Australia’s Clinical Nurse Educator Kara Manser said there have been numerous accounts of traumatic IUD insertion or removal experiences spread through word of mouth and the media, putting off many from undergoing IUD insertion. 

“Our priority is our patients. We don’t ignore or dismiss women’s pain,” said Ms Manser.

“In fact, over 908% of MSI’s workforce in Australia is women. Women should know they will be safe and informed at our clinics.

“We have been working on the education package for Penthrox within our clinics for XX months.

“This has involved x, y z.”

The ‘Green Whistle,’ is a nickname for the medicine Penthrox, which is, under supervision, a self-administered rapid short term pain relief using a hand-held inhaler device. Commonly used in sports medicine, surf lifesaving and dental surgeries. It is now being used for pain relief in IUD insertion and becoming popular in these cases at MSI Australia. 

If you feel anxious about your pain management at any time in your procedure do not shy away from asking a nurse or doctor about how the medicine can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Penthrox (“Green Whistle”)?

Penthrox (methoxyflurane) is a hand-held inhaler device, commonly known as the “Green Whistle,” used for rapid, short-term pain relief. It is typically used in acute trauma situations or for brief, painful procedures like IUD insertion in the MSI clinic setting. It is non-addictive and straightforward to administer, allowing clients to self-administer under supervision. The inhaler has an anti-anxiety effect on patients, not only does it allow you to not feel pain but eases any anxiety in your body, allowing you to fully relax during your procedure.

Read consumer medicine information

How does it work?

Penthrox consists of the medicine Methoxyflurane, which belongs to a group of anaesthetic agents and reduces pain by making the brain and spinal cord less responsive to excitement and pain.

How much does it cost?

At MSI Australia, Penthrox is available for IUD procedures for an additional $55, which is not claimable from Medicare. It is a cost-effective alternative to IV sedation.

Do I have to decide whether to use Penthrox when making a booking?

You don’t need to decide this when making a booking, but if you choose to use Penthrox, you cannot drive yourself home. Please arrange alternative transportation, such as taxi, rideshare or public transport alone.

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MSI Australia has been recognised by the Australian Council of Health Care Standards (ACHS) for its outstanding work with consumers to improve the patient experience.

The award recognises MSI Australia’s work engaging consumers in workforce training, co-design of services and facilities, and advocacy campaigns and media. It also recognises the organisation’s transparency in reporting safety and quality outcomes publicly, and its comprehensive patient feedback program.

“Whether a patient is coming to see us for an abortion, a vasectomy, contraception or for some other reproductive health service, every one of them deserves safe, high quality and transparent care”, Ms Thompson says

“Over the past two years we have focused on listening to our patients, involving them in our operations, creating opportunities for them to give us feedback and participate in the planning of services. Most importantly we have acted on their feedback.”

The award recognises the work that MSI Australia has done to improve the patient experience across the organisation’s 14 Australian clinics. This work includes:

Increasing the patient satisfaction rate from 89 percent in 2017 to 92 percent in 2018;
Incorporating Google review feedback into the formal complaints process so all feedback is logged and actioned;
Development of a patient-centred care model based on the work of the NSW Clinical Excellence Commission so all staff members are responsible for ‘patient-centred care’;
The implementation of five consumer-driven advocacy campaigns, one of which has resulted in the publication of a White Paper on the issue of Reproductive Coercion;
Co-design of services and facilities including redevelopment works for the MSI Australia Westmead clinic;
The commencement of an international co-operative research program with the Australian National University to explore ‘What Women Want in Abortion Care.

“Every one of our 270 staff members across Australia has contributed to the quality improvements we have seen across the MSI Australia network. Providing high quality, compassionate care is what drives each of us every day so we are thrilled to be acknowledged by this award.”

In 2017 MSI Australia received 7 met with merit ratings as part of its accreditation under the National Safety and Quality Health Service standards. The ratings were awarded for excellence in clinical governance, partnering with consumers, appropriate and effective care and strategic and operational planning.