>
Human sexual behaviour is astonishingly diverse. Talking about sex is still difficult for many, and yet we recognise that good sexual function is an important component of overall health. In a medical setting, it seems discomfort may exist with both clinicians and patients, and at times the quality of health care can suffer when crucial and pertinent factors are not uncovered.
The resources on this website provides those aiming to respond to the clinical needs of gay
men, men who have sex with men, and other sexually and gender diverse individuals with information, practical ‘tips’ and a greater understanding about
why some people may feel reluctant to disclose their sexuality or HIV status to health care providers. Importantly, it also identifies a number of other resources, including
websites and organisations that can support you in this work.
This page contains resources for health care providers. For consumer health information, please visit our section on HIV, sexually transmitted infections and sexual health.
| Contents |
This tool is designed to assist the clinician in determining the approriate tests to order, depending on the presenting patient:
These
guidelines have been developed to assist
health care workers who care for MSM,
including doctors providing HIV/AIDS care. MSM who do not have symptoms of STIs
are the focus of these guidelines but they
also apply to testing at anatomical sites other
than the location of any current symptoms.
Patient self collection of samples has been found to be acceptable for many patients who are reluctant to have the clinician perform an intimate invasive examination. Self collection of specimens can also benefit the clinician where the length of the consultation is limited, and screening for gonorrhoea and chlamydia is required.
This resource can be copied and provided to the patient, or can be posted in the toilet to complement your instruction.
Short video featuring Dr Chris Bourne, Dr Dianne Chambers and Dr Bill Kefalas produced by ThinkGP.
Requires membership to ThinkGP website.
View the video...
This resource aims to provide health care workers with information on legal and ethical responsibilities under various laws and regulations related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It does not contain legal advice. Those seeking advice on individual cases should contact their health department, solicitor or their medical defence organisation as appropriate.
Produced by the Australiasian Society for HIV Medicine (ASHM).
PEP is a course of anti-HIV drugs that is taken shortly after possible exposure to HIV infection. It is thought that the drugs may help reduce the risk of acquiring HIV after unprotected sex, sharing needles or a needlestick injury.
Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria has produced a Sexual Diversity Health Services Audit which can help health care providers assess how they are doing in providing care for GLBTI people and perhaps high light areas for improvement.
Gipsy Hosking, a same-sex attracted young person in Canberra.
The following is an account of an actual conversation with my uni doctor:
‘So what can I do for you?’ she asked.
To page top