Sexual health assessment in adolescent psychiatric inpatients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Validation of a trauma informed sexual health toolkit for use with adolescent psychiatric inpatients
IRAS ID
320611
Contact name
Charlie Staniforth
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St Andrew's Healthcare
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The main aim of the research is to develop a trauma informed sexual health toolkit for use in adolescent psychiatric inpatient services. Trauma informed means that the toolkit has been designed considering the wide ranging impact that trauma can have physically and emotionally. Consideration has been given to aspects such as how choice can be expanded, the language that is used, how to encourage safety whilst having conversations about sex and how to ensure that any issues raised whilst completing the toolkit are followed up and addressed sensitively.
The purpose of the toolkit is to proactively encourage young people to be able to have conversations, ask questions and share any concerns they have regarding sexual health. There is evidence for the link between adolescence, mental health problems, adverse childhood experiences and an increased risk for poor sexual and relationship outcomes.
All young people who access psychiatric inpatient services should have access to a comprehensive sexual health assessment therefore reducing the risk of negative short and long term sexual health consequences. The toolkit will include sections on current and historical relationships, historical and current sexual activity history, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's), sexual exploitation and online safety. There will be an opportunity for the young person to ask questions and seek information on any topic related to sexual health and wellness. There will be a two hour online training component for staff who will deliver the toolkit to ensure understanding of the subject area and their responsibilities in terms of actioning findings from the toolkit.Project Objectives
To develop
-A co-produced and validated trauma informed sexual health toolkit for adolescents in inpatient psychiatric care.
-An intervention planning component.
-Signposting for appropriate treatment and preventative interventions for reduction of poor sexual health outcomes and vulnerability to sexual exploitation.REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SW/0014
Date of REC Opinion
13 Mar 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion