The training needs of general practitioners in the exploration of sexual health matters and providing sexual healthcare to lesbian, gay and bisexual patients

Abstract

Background: General practitioners (GPs) have been identified as a key resource for people with sexual health concerns. However, research indicates that general practitioners feel unprepared to deal with sexual health, especially with lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) patients.

Aim: To identify the training needs of general practitioners in the exploration of sexual health matters and providing sexual healthcare to lesbian, gay and bisexual patients.

Methods: Qualitative methodology using topic-guided interviews and focus groups with general practitioners and lesbian, gay, bisexual community members in Ireland. In addition, final year medical students at University College Cork completed a mixed-methods survey.

Results: General practitioner participants rarely broached sexual health topics, and were unaware of the sexual orientation of their patients or the specific health needs of lesbian, gay and bisexual patients. Participants identified numerous barriers to the discussion of sexual health. To overcome these barriers, respondents recommended better medical training using a variety of methods to increase awareness of sexual and LGB health issues.

Conclusion: General practitioners in Ireland lack awareness of the unique health issues of lesbian, gay and bisexual patients and it is, therefore, essential that medical training programs develop better training curricula in sexual health and LGB health issues.