Recommended standards and networks for sexual health services: project summary

The national strategy for sexual health and HIV [1] states that

• new standards will be set to change the constraints of narrow, non-integrated service provision
• there will be a process for developing networks in sexual health services.
  

1. developed and published overarching recommended standards for sexual health services, which will signpost and complement the range of existing guidance for different aspects of sexual health service provision, and
2. facilitated the development of sexual health service networks, through disseminating knowledge and learning about networks, useful examples of practice and by holding a conference on sexual health networks in 2005.

The project built on previous work by MedFASH on standards and network development for NHS HIV services.

Reflecting the content of the national strategy, the project's scope covered contraception, sexually transmitted infections, abortion, access to psychosexual services, and sexual health promotion. The standards are relevant for all settings where sexual health need may be identified or addressed, including primary care and specialist services.

The first phase - preparing the ground and gaining stakeholder support - involved identification of, and consultation with, key stakeholders, production of a broader 'stakeholder map' for consultation later in the process, collection and review of key documentation (eg existing guidelines, examples of local networking), commissioning a review of relevant evidence, setting up an advisory group and mechanisms for expert input.

The second phase involved developing and consulting on new recommended standards for sexual health services. With the support of the experts on our project advisory group and in smaller working groups, we developed a set of draft recommended standards. Consultation on the draft standards took place between August and October 2004 and included an event for national stakeholder organisations and three regional events. Following consultation, the standards were revised and gained endorsement from the Department of Health. They were published on 16 March 2005.

The third phase - facilitating the development of sexual health service networks - included reviewing literature available and identifying existing and emerging models of sexual health service networks. A national conference took place on 16 May 2005 to share experience and learning regarding networks from the sexual health and HIV sectors, and from other areas of health. A publication will be produced to further disseminate this information. Click here to view the conference presentations.

MedFASH provided management and administrative support for the project. The project manager leading the process was Teresa Battison.

For further information, please contact Magnus Nelson, Administrator, Medical Foundation for AIDS & Sexual Health, BMA House, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9JP.
Email: enquiries.medfash@medfash.bma.org.uk Tel: 020 7383 6345
Website: www.medfash.org.uk


[1] The national strategy for sexual health and HIV. Department of Health, 2001. Paras 4.20-4.21 and para 4.6.