|
Shamsuzzoha B. Syed, MBBS DPH DFPH, Specialist Registrar in Public Health Medicine, Public Health & Health Improvement Directorate, Colchester Primary Care Trust, 4 Rimmer Close, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 1PX, United Kingdom, 01144 1787 310316, sbsyed71@yahoo.com, Krishna Ramkhelawon, RN, BSc, MSc, Assistant Director of Public Health, Public Health Directorate, Tendring Primary Care Trust, Kennedy House, Kennedy Way, Great Clacton, Essex, CO15 4AB, United Kingdom, and Donna Telfer, BA, Assistant Director of Public Health, Public Health & Health Improvement Directorate, Colchester Primary Care Trust, Health Offices, Turner Road, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JR, United Kingdom.
Teenage conceptions, sexually transmitted diseases and sexual health in general are major concerns in both the UK and USA. The UK National Strategy on Sexual Health provides guidance on sexual health service provision. Colchester & Tendring PCT is responsible for the health of 300,000 people. The examination of sexual health services for this population, on the basis of the UK National Strategy, provides interesting findings, which are being used to inform local sexual health service development.
Analysis was carried out of sexual health services offered by: 1. Genito-urinary medicine 2. Family planning and reproductive health 3. Primary care 4. The non health-sector, including voluntary organizations
Methods used include: 1. Structured face-to-face interviews 2. Questionnaire survey of all primary care providers 3. Comparison of service provision to national quality criteria
Key findings that are transportable to the USA are: 1. A ‘whole system approach’ to sexual health service provision is key to integrated services, focused on prevention 2. Primary care provides a range of sexual health services and can assume responsibility for the majority of provision 3. Non health-sector providers (particularly voluntary organizations), provide invaluable sexual health promotion to hard to reach populations 4. Structured local training programs for health care professionals and those from a non-clinical background is of central importance to high quality services
PCTs in the UK and HMOs in the USA are responsible for the sexual health of well-defined populations. This detailed analysis of local sexual health services identifies valuable lessons for both types of organization.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to
Keywords: Reproductive Health, Service Integration
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.