GPs and practice nurses do not address sexual health issues proactively with patients, and this area warrants further attention if policy recommendations to expand the role of primary care within sexual health management are to be met.
The present paper explores general practitioners' (GPs') perspectives on the difficulties which they face when discussing sexual health issues with lesbian and gay patients in primary care consultations. It draws upon data obtained from a qualitative interview study with 22 GPs aged between 34 and 57 years who were practising in Sheffield, UK. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and the data were analysed thematically. The results indicate that (non-hetero)sexual orientation could form a barrier to talking about sexual health matters for almost half of this GP sample. Difficulties related primarily to ignorance of lesbian and gay lifestyles and sexual practices, and also included concerns about the appropriate language to use and assumptions about the nature of gay men's relationships. Homophobic attitudes were also identified in a minority of the sample. Participants suggested improvements around improving communication about sexual health with lesbian and gay patients. These included training at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, taking a proactive role during consultations, not making assumptions about patients' sexual orientation and having a non-discriminatory policy for their practice.
Objective: This paper explores the barriers related to gender that general practitioners (GPs) face when discussing sexual health matters in primary care consultations. Method: Qualitative study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 GPs recruited from different practice types and locations across Sheffield, UK. Transcripts were analysed thematically, assisted by NUD*IST qualitative data analysis programme. Results: GPs were virtually unanimous in believing that patients preferred to see same-sex GPs regarding sexual health, and some felt that as a consequence they became 'de-skilled' in dealing with sexual matters of opposite sex patients. Discussion of sexual issues was also perceived to be hindered if the patient was male; for women, reproductive health issues provided an appropriate context to asking about sexual health. Conclusion: Barriers that prevent discussion of sexual matters in consultations can not only impinge upon potential treatment for the patient, but also have an indirect affect on the patient's life, health and intimate relationships. Solutions to overcoming such barriers relate largely to the provision of training for medical students and qualified GPs.
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