For many years I’ve been talking to health professionals about sex. In a variety of research and training projects I’ve got to hear what they think about discussing sensitive topics with their patients.
Whilst those who work in sexual and reproductive health are usually trained and supported to talk to patients, those working in primary and secondary care may not be as confident nor well-equipped to tackle sex and relationship issues.
I’ve heard from practitioners who’ve said they don’t feel confident to discuss issues of sexual difference and diversity, or feel uncomfortable talking about sex to patients who’re much older or younger, or who are from different religious, social or ethnic groups.
Some practitioners are afraid to raise questions about sexual or reproductive health for fear of upsetting or offending patients. Others avoid encouraging a conversation they can’t deal with in a short appointment slot, particularly if they’ve few places to refer patients to if a sexual problem is identified. Still more are frustrated when training courses aren’t available when they need them, or when they are available they feel threatening or embarrassing – particularly if you have to attend them with colleagues.
Over time I’ve been thinking of ways to make it easier for health care professionals to talk and learn about sex, and one solution was to create a safe and easily accessible discussion space.
So in conjunction with Doctors.net I’ve created an online module ‘Communicating about sex’ which includes a private forum where health professionals can ask for information or suggest ideas for good practice in delivering sexual or reproductive health.
If you are a doctor based in primary or secondary care and a member of doctors.net please feel free to sign up for the communicating about sex forum.
Unfortunately if you’re not a member of doctors.net (for which you’ll have to be a registered medical professional) you won’t be able to join this facility. However, if you visit my agony page you can find some sources of advice and information that may help you.
Communicate about sex with confidence
For many years I’ve been talking to health professionals about sex. In a variety of research and training projects I’ve got to hear what they think about discussing sensitive topics with their patients.
Whilst those who work in sexual and reproductive health are usually trained and supported to talk to patients, those working in primary and secondary care may not be as confident nor well-equipped to tackle sex and relationship issues.
I’ve heard from practitioners who’ve said they don’t feel confident to discuss issues of sexual difference and diversity, or feel uncomfortable talking about sex to patients who’re much older or younger, or who are from different religious, social or ethnic groups.
Some practitioners are afraid to raise questions about sexual or reproductive health for fear of upsetting or offending patients. Others avoid encouraging a conversation they can’t deal with in a short appointment slot, particularly if they’ve few places to refer patients to if a sexual problem is identified. Still more are frustrated when training courses aren’t available when they need them, or when they are available they feel threatening or embarrassing – particularly if you have to attend them with colleagues.
Over time I’ve been thinking of ways to make it easier for health care professionals to talk and learn about sex, and one solution was to create a safe and easily accessible discussion space.
So in conjunction with Doctors.net I’ve created an online module ‘Communicating about sex’ which includes a private forum where health professionals can ask for information or suggest ideas for good practice in delivering sexual or reproductive health.
If you are a doctor based in primary or secondary care and a member of doctors.net please feel free to sign up for the communicating about sex forum.
Unfortunately if you’re not a member of doctors.net (for which you’ll have to be a registered medical professional) you won’t be able to join this facility. However, if you visit my agony page you can find some sources of advice and information that may help you.
Communicate about sex with confidence