Sexual Health | Approach to patient |Sexual History

Sexual History
Session overview
Description
This session will examine the ways in which a sexual history can be different from a general medical history. It will discuss some of the issues from the patient/client’s perspective and highlight some of the barriers to effective communication in this setting. The essential components of a sexual history will be outlined along with the reasons behind why we need to enquire about sexual practices/behaviour. Finally, this session will explore issues of assessing risk, look at terminology and language which may or may not be appropriate and explore documenting a sexual history.

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

• Describe the important ways in which a sexual history consultation differs from a standard medical history
• Explain why it is important to ask about sexual practices/behaviour
• Describe the essential components of a sexual history
• Demonstrate an understanding of the issues from the perspective of the patient/client
• Explain how to overcome some of the potential barriers to effective communication in such a setting
• Demonstrate an ability to close a sexual history