Do you talk to your older patients about sexual health? Health practitioners' knowledge of, and attitudes towards, management of sexual health among older Australians

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Research suggests that older patients want to talk about sexual health, but are reluctant to initiate these discussions with health practitioners. Little is known of the practitioners' perspectives. The objective of this study was to explore health practitioners' knowledge of and attitudes towards management of sexual health among older patients. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 general practitioners (GPs) and six practice nurses in rural/metropolitan general practices in March to June 2017 in Victoria, Australia. RESULTS: Most GPs believed it was appropriate to discuss sexual health with older patients but did not routinely do so. Common barriers included age and gender discordance between GP and patient, complexity of patient comorbidities and patient­doctor relationships. Practice nurses identified the limitations of their role as a barrier, although some nurses initiated discussions during health assessments. DISCUSSION: Health practitioners generally believed the responsibility for initiation of sexual health discussions rested with patients, but understood patients' reluctance. They saw the need for an intervention to assist in such discussions.

Could an online or digital aid facilitate discussions about sexual health with older Australians in general practice?

Background and objectives: Older patients want to discuss sexual health with general practitioners (GPs) but feel uncomfortable doing so, as do their GPs. Online and digital aids (ODAs) are used in other clinical contexts and could provide an effective tool to overcome this discomfort. The aim of this study was to explore health practitioners' views on the type of ODA that could be used to facilitate sexual health discussions between older patients (aged ≥60 years) and health practitioners. Methods: Thirty-seven interviews were conducted in Victoria, Australia, between March and June 2017. Participants comprised 15 GPs, 12 practice nurses or practice managers and 10 key informants (five in sexual health, five in ODAs). Results: Most ODAs currently available target younger populations. Checklists or self­service kiosks may provide effective means to facilitate sexual health discussions with older patients in primary care. Discussion: ODAs are acceptable and feasible to implement in younger populations but need testing with older patients. Health professionals need training to deal with sexual health matters arising from using such aids.