Sexual health assessment in a general practice travel clinic

Challinor, Sarah RN, DipN

AUTHOR Sarah Challinor, RN, DipN, is practice nurse, Newton Place Surgery, Faversham.

This article has been double-blind peer-reviewed.

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Nursing Times 102(2):p 32-35, January 10, 2006.

ABSTRACT

Challinor, S. (2006) Sexual health assessment in a general practice clinic.Nursing Times;102: 2, 32-35.

Sexual health and travel health are two distinct areas yet they are linked in the context of a travel health consultation. Sexual health provision within general practice is inconsistent and dependent on the attitudes and training of practice nurses and GPs - some of whom may be too embarrassed to discuss sex. However, if practice nurses are to provide holistic and comprehensive travel advice, sexual health, its language and its challenges must be embraced and applied in the consultation.