Extract

Objective

In Flanders 22% of women and 13% of men suffer from sexual dysfunctions. Only a minority of them seek help for these problems. 94% of the general population in Belgium has a general practitioner (GP) which is visited at least yearly by 77%. Therefore, GPs have a crucial role in reaching the general public and in detecting sexual problems. How can general practitioners be motivated to pro-actively discuss sexual health with their patients?

Methods

Hindering barriers were identified through a literature study and through a questionnaire filled out by 100 GPs. A lack of knowledge, time and not knowing how to start were the most mentioned barriers.

Results

The ‘One to one’ (O2O) model is developed to support GPs and lower the resistance of patients in discussing these topics. The model is based on the PLISSIT model (Annon, 1977) and motivational interviewing (Miller & Rollnick, 2006). The O2O model is a 4 step roadmap; 1. pro-actively discuss sexual health, 2. motivate the patient to talk about sexual health (based on the Bio Psycho Social model and ICE-questioning technique) 3. Summarize the narrative of the patient and 4. Provide a tailored support offer for the patient. This O2O model offers textual examples and provides GPs an easy to use tool. The O2O model is integrated in a training package for GPs. The Flemish government supports 60 trainings. Preliminary results will be discussed at the meeting. In 2019 the Flemish universities will integrate this O2O in their university training for GP students.

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