Thirty years of sexual health education and training for the clinician - any change to the better? A Swedish perspective

Abstract

Objective To give a current report of the academic education and training in clinical sexology in Sweden and evaluate the long-term(1977-2007) impact on the professional competence of sexual health professionals, e.g. physicians, psychologists, midwives, social workers and physiotherapists. Design and method A questionnaire was mailed to the students that participated and passed the basic and advanced courses in clinical sexology at our department during 1977-1980 or 2005-2007. The subjects were invited to answer a number of semi-structured questions concerning various changes in their professional status and profile that they regarded as influenced by their education and training in clinical sexology. The data analysis primarily aimed at 1) finding evidence for a promoting effect of sexual health education and training on job competence and satisfaction 2) differences between the health professions’ opportunities to implement the proficiency in the clinical practice. Results The preliminary results show that further education and training in clinical sexology for health professionals has a significant impact on the skill and readiness of the clinician to address sexual issues in the daily work with patients and clients. More specific data will be given in the presentation. Conclusions The study lends strong support to our academic endeavour since three decades; to make sexual health education a regular part of the professional education and training of health professionals. This will undoubtedly serve the interest of the general public in Sweden as well.