Developed physical skills with a need for accuracy to undertake for example: Venepuncture/Administration of local anaesthetic/Insertion of contraceptive implant. Integrate sexual healthcare in the daily clinical practice focusing on sexual health assessment and counselling within interdisciplinary teamwork. Could you describe any 'practice as a nurse or midwife' where you had to deal with an individual who expressed sexual concerns or problems?

What factors may interfere with the assessment and discussion of the individuals' sexual health issues? The opportunity was taken to discuss safer sexual practices with the patient and she was reminded of the STI risks when having sex without condoms. The patient stated that she had not even considered she may have been exposed to an STI. She was focused on preventing pregnancy. Even when she had a new partner she had simply thought she was ‘fine’ as she had the contraceptive implant.Faubion SS, Parish SJ. Sexual dysfunction in women: can we talk about it? Cleve Clin J Med. 2017;84(5):367–76. As part of the major new action, every NHS trust and local health system in England will also have a domestic abuse and sexual violence lead to support patients and staff to report incidents and access support. Your role in primary care will influence the type of consultation you are able to perform. For example, as a school nurse you may be restricted to certain times and environments. Practice nurses may be able to incorporate opportunistic discussions. Time and resources may be a potential barrier, although sexual health discussion should always be seen as a core component of any consultation and education and training needs should be discussed at your appraisal. Kotronoulas G, Papadopoulou C, Patiraki E. Nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding provision of sexual health care in patients with cancer: critical review of the evidence. Support Care Cancer. 2009;17(5):479–501. Your local pharmacy may offer emergency contraception and sometimes can test for STIs such as chlamydia. However, this service will not necessarily be free of charge.

Quinn C, Happell B, Browne G. Talking or avoiding? Mental health nurses’ views about discussing sexual health with consumers. Int J Ment Health Nurs. 2011;20(1):21–8.

Sexual health education directory

A sexual health clinic should be able to give you advice about both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraception. They are sometimes called family planning, GUM, or sexual and reproductive health clinics. World Health Organisation. Sexual Health, 2012. who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/gender_rights/sexual_health/en/(accessed 7 June 2016).