RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Sexually transmitted infections in primary care: a need for education.
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP 52
OP 56
VO 51
IS 462
A1 P Matthews
A1 J Fletcher
YR 2001
UL http://bjgp.org/content/51/462/52.abstract
AB General practitioners and practice nurses require the clinical skills that will enable them to detect sexually transmitted infections in the context of a shift to having no, or insidious symptoms. They need to be able to confirm the diagnosis and have clear models for management and referral. Primary care and genitourinary medicine need to work more closely together to increase mutual understanding and clarify the issues which surround referral and attendance. Sexual health risk assessment through the investigation of sexual history is a helpful way forward in both differential diagnosis and in targeting sexual health promotion and care. Many aspects of these clinical skills are specific to the primary care context. There is a need for improved undergraduate, postgraduate, and in-service training. Multidisciplinary educational approaches are ideal for the subject of sexual health. Primary care groups offer a potential way forward to help develop quality in primary care and some are developing health improvement programmes that aim to address sexual health issues.