Category | Illustrative quotation |
---|---|
More training/education needed for GPs | 'The GP is the ideal first port of call for such issues, but we do need help in learning how to raise and deal with such issues'. GP030 |
GPs need to raise the issue during consultations | 'We should bring it [sex] up....bringing it up may not reveal any problems at the time, but gives patients an opportunity to come back to it at a later date'. GP035 |
GPs need to provide the time and opportunity during consultations for patients to raise sexual issues | 'Frequently in primary care when the subject is approached there can be a negative response from the patient - as if their privacy has been encroached upon - on occasions, a patient would leave the practice due to this incursion. Thus, if I seek an answer I will try to get the patient to initiate the discussion by discussing bodily function and effects of physical and emotional disturbance'. GP076 |
Guidelines/protocols need to be developed to guide GP behaviour | 'A protocol for management ought to be developed for use by GPs'. GP052. 'If we are to raise the issue then some evidence-based guidelines would be helpful to guide management'. GP064 |
Hospital cardiac rehabilitation should play central role | '[Sexual issues] should be addressed specifically as part of hospital cardiac rehabilitation program at presentation'. GP131 |
Needs to be more awareness among GPs | 'Erectile dysfunction is currently being highlighted - we must continue to raise awareness'. GP131 |
Resources should be developed, e.g. leaflets/DVDs to give to patients during consultations | 'There should be patient information leaflets to give patients with coronary heart disease that discuss the sexual problems they may encounter. This would open up the issue for discussion'. GP225 |
Need other staff/services for referral | 'If such issues are raised though we need to have some confidence in the availability of backup should we get out of our depth. Lack of such backup is also a very big issue.' GP030 |