Healthcare provider evaluation of a sexual history questionnaire at a public health clinic

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) continue to be a major public health concern in the United States. Approximately 19 million new infections occur each year, with almost half of them affecting young people 15 to 24 years of age. Due to the alarming statistics, efforts must be focused on decreasing the prevalence of STIs, and one way to battle the rise is for practitioners to obtain a comprehensive sexual history.;Sexual history taking is very important as elicitation of STI symptoms usually guides clinical diagnosis. Also, obtaining a comprehensive sexual history helps practitioners focus on appropriate screening and risk-reduction counseling. The purpose of this practice improvement project (PIP) was for nurse practitioners to evaluate the use of a standardized, self-administered sexual history questionnaire at a public health clinic to determine if the use of the questionnaire improved their practice.;The project utilized a survey design and involved the use of a focus group to evaluate the use of a sexual history questionnaire. Participants were asked to voluntarily complete an eight-item sexual history questionnaire evaluation survey after a one month implementation of the 28-item sexual history questionnaire. The data revealed that the participants felt the sexual history questionnaire was helpful and helped guide their diagnosis and treatment plan. Two-thirds of the participants felt the questionnaire saved them time during their appointment. Overall, the questionnaire was found to improve the providers' practice.;The most significant implication of the research findings is for advanced practice nurses and other healthcare providers to use a sexual health history questionnaire, whether during an STI visit or during an annual well examination. Healthcare providers will be able to intervene and give patients insight into their sexual behaviors in instances where their sexual decisions put them at risk. Using a sexual history questionnaire will also give the provider an opportunity to focus their efforts on STI education and counseling in patients that display responsible sexual behaviors. Discussing sexual matters can be an intimidating task; however, doing so is necessary to provide patients and communities with the care they deserve.