Integrated sexual health services: The views of medical professionals

Abstract

Contraceptive services and genitourinary medicine in the UK have traditionally been organized separately. Convergence of the two specialties has recently become more widespread, and the number of centres at which family planning and genitourinary medicine services are integrated is increasing. This paper describes findings from a study of the views of medical professionals in the separate specialties of family planning and genitourinary medicine and the extent to which they may impede or enhance service integration. A purposive sample of health professionals working in genitourinary medicine, family planning and generic sexual health services in the UK, was selected to represent the views of staff at clinics in different residential areas and at different levels of integration. In-depth personal interviews were carried out with medical professionals working in the field of sexual health. V iews on the integration of sexual health services were explored and perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of integration were documented. The views of sexual medical professionals on integrating family planning and genitourinary medicine services were found, for the most part, to be positive. Reservations, where expressed, were reserved for issues relating to professional status, career development and adequacy of expertise. Service integration was seen as benefiting clients. Agendas were in evidence, however, which may have less to do with improving the quality of services and more to do with enhancing professional status. Staff views need to be anticipated and taken account of in the planning of integrated services.