Sexual Health Indicators of Risk in General Practice course for GPs

This session will cover the role that general practice has to play in sexual health care, particularly with those people at risk of sexual health problems such as unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and cervical cancer. The clinical value of sexual history-taking is introduced. This session has been written in conjunction with Sexual Health in Practice (SHIP). Please see acknowledgements for more details.

This session was reviewed by Philippa Matthews and Mel Gardner and last updated in July 2020.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Recognise the role of general practice in maximising opportunities to deliver integrated sexual health care
• Identify factors associated with sexual health risk and how they interrelate
• Recognise the benefits of sexual health risk assessment to clinical care in general practice
• Describe the importance of easy access, confidentiality and a non judgmental approach to sexual health care in general practice

You will explore the significance of the difference between risk groups and risk behaviour. The aim is to present the clinical value of taking a sexual history from your patient. You will also learn about the role the practice can play in improving access to care and the importance of confidentiality.