Sexual health in general practice, part 2: communication in sexual health consultations

Alsararatee, Hasan H (2026) Sexual health in general practice, part 2: communication in sexual health consultations. Practice Nursing, 37 (8). ISSN 2052-2940

Text 21592_Alsaratee .pdf - Accepted Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial. Download (608kB)

Abstract

Sexual health consultations are an essential element of holistic general practice, although they remain inconsistently addressed within routine care. General Practitioners (GPs) and General Practice Nurses (GPNs) frequently encounter sexual health concerns within short and complex consultations, where the presenting problem may not be clearly sexual in nature. This article is the second in a series on sexual health in general practice and focuses on communication in sexual health consultations, with emphasis on communication difficulties, inequalities in access, clinic-level messaging and core consultation skills. Current evidence suggests that sexual health remains under-discussed, despite ongoing service demand and the continuing burden of sexually transmitted infections in England. Barriers include stigma, embarrassment, clinician discomfort, time pressure, confidentiality concerns, language difficulties, digital access issues and structural inequalities affecting young people, LGBTQ+ patients, minoritised ethnic communities and those experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. Effective communication requires more than structured sexual history-taking; it also requires inclusive language, clear explanation, sensitivity to safeguarding concerns, appropriate use of interpreters and active attention to privacy, particularly in remote consultations. The article argues that sexual health communication should be understood as a core clinical competency within general practice, rather than a specialist skill. Implementing structured, inclusive and patient-centred communication within routine care may improve patients’ willingness to share sensitive information, diagnostic accuracy, prevention, safeguarding and equity of access.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	** From CORE via CORE FreshFinds
Keywords:	Sexual health communication, General practice, Sexual history-taking, Health inequalities, sexual health consultation.
Divisions:	College of Health and Society > Health and Social Care
SWORD Depositor:	Freshfinds Publication Router
Depositing User:	Freshfinds Publication Router
Date Deposited:	01 Oct 2026 15:01
Last Modified:	26 Oct 2026 10:09
URI:	https://bnu.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/21592

Actions (login required)

Edit Item