Sexual History Taking Curriculum: Lecture and Standardized Patient Cases

Abstract

Abstract Introduction An inclusive sexual history is critical to providing comprehensive patient care and an environment supportive of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients. This sexual history taking module engages medical students in discussion and practice with standardized patients in taking an inclusive (orientation- and gender-neutral) sexual history. This case was developed for first- and second-year medical students who have had basic communication skills training. Methods This session was designed to be delivered in one 40-minute large-group session followed by three 1-hour-long small-group sessions (with one third of the class participating in each session) with standardized patients. Four students per group is optimal. Faculty training should take approximately 30 minutes prior to the session as well as participation in the large-group session. The materials associated with this publication include guidelines for faculty facilitators and students to prepare them for the large-group discussion and small-group practice sessions with standardized patients. Also included are four standardized patient cases, a slide presentation using an audience response system for the large-group session, and an evaluation form. Results The average response to “Overall, this session was effective in improving my sexual history taking skills” has been 4.3 out of 5. Our communication needs assessment has shown a statistically significant improvement in those reporting increased importance, confidence, and performance of a sexual history between the first and second year of medical school (before and after the curriculum). In addition, students reported performing more components of the sexual history after the session. Discussion This sexual history taking module has been incorporated into our Foundations of Doctoring communications curriculum and has been rated as highly effective by learners. Performing an inclusive sexual history is critical to providing comprehensive patient care as well as providing an environment supportive of LGBT patients.

Keywords

• Health Equity Research
• Communication
• Sexual History
• Lectures
• LGBT
• Communication Skills