Diana Paola Harrison

Intervention to Increase Discussion of Sexual Health and Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening in Primary Care, Focusing on Adolescents and Young Adults

Abstract: Background: In the U.S. and around the world, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are rising in alarming numbers. The Centers for Disease Control recommends risk assessment and appropriate screening to prevent long term complications. Local problem: In the local setting, primary care providers inconsistently discuss sexual health as part of their yearly wellness exams and do not regularly offer or order STI screening. 

Methods: This quality improvement project was designed to promote discussion of sexual health, assessment of risk for STI and increase STI screening, among eligible patients at a suburban primary care clinic. Providers’ patterns of discussion of sexual health, pattern of ordering STI screening, comfort in screening guidelines and willingness to order screening were analyzed. Additionally, rates of STI screening post-intervention and provider’s experience discussing sexual health were analyzed. 

Intervention: The intervention encompassed the implementation of the Five P’s questionnaire to facilitate discussion of sexual health and identification of patients at risk of STI as part of the yearly wellness visit for adolescents and young adults ages 18-25. 

Results: The introduction of the Five P’s questionnaire began to have a clinical impact in provider patterns in discussion of sexual health and assessment of STI risk, compared with previous screening practices at a suburban primary care clinic. Conclusion: A validated, structured tool can facilitate discussion of sexual health and can lead primary care providers to identify patients at risk for STI.

Any distribution, dissemination, copying or use of this information without permission is prohibited.

A PSU ID is required to access the scholarly paper on ScholarSphere.