Information and credits

Who is this learning for?

This learning area is just what you need if you are a nurse or health care assistant (HCA) who is likely to come into contact with patients and clients with sexual health care needs. The learning content is suitable if you are not a specialist, and don't have much experience in sexual health matters.

Sexuality is integral to a person's identity and it develops throughout life, from birth to death. Whatever area of health care we work in, sexual health will matter to our patients and clients and therefore they may present with issues which you are expected to manage. Perhaps you work in general practice, learning disability or mental health services, an A&E department, walk-in centre or school - but this list is not exhaustive, and if you recognise the need to handle sexual health issues with sensitivity, then this learning area is for you.

Learning outcomes

After completing all the sections in this learning opportunity, the learner should be able to:

Identify key issues in sexual health.
Assess your sexual history-taking skills.
Recognise the limits of your competence and role in managing sexual health problems.
Identify local and national services and agencies who specialise in sexual health matters.
List the criteria for referral to other services and agencies.
Access high quality resources to further your knowledge and skills.

Principles of Nursing Practice

The eight Principles of Nursing Practice can be applied to this learning resource however, the principles that feature most predominantly are:

Prinicple F - having up-to-date knowledge and skills.
Principle A - treating everyone with dignity and humanity.
Principle D - providing and promoting person-centred care.
Principle G - working with the multi-disciplinary team to ensure care is coordinated and of a high standard.

These principles provide a useful framework for writing a reflective record of your learning. You may also think of ways you can draw on the remaining principles based on your own clinical experience and observations.

Relevant KSF dimensions

Core dimension 2 - Personal and People Development
Information and knowledge 3 - Knowledge and information resources

Content Team

This learning area was written by Adrienne Willcox, A Talent 4 Health Ltd.

Subject matter expertise was provided by:

Pauline Beddoes - Nurse Specialist, Marie Stopes International
Julie Wilson - Nurse Specialist, Marie Stopes International
Teresa Day - Sexual Health Specialist, Learning Disability, Isle of Wight NHS PCT, Public Health
Sara Strodtbeck - Business Development and Support Manager/Registered Practitioner, Sexual Health Services, Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust

Interactive elements and animations were created by John Heseltine BA (Hons) and George Reith.