66. MENAGE A TRIOS: SEXUAL HEALTH, SEXUAL ASSAULT AND FORENSIC MEDICINE

Abstract

Objectives: Small jurisdictions often require clinicians to work in more than one speciality. The aim of this paper is to explore the commonalities between sexual health, sexual assault and forensic medicine that make this possible.

Methods: Exploration of (1) common attributes of clinicians who provide these services, (2) characteristics the client groups, (3) administrative aspects and (4) gains for participating clinicians.

Results: Clinicians in all three specialties practice within a public health model of care, have a good understanding of confidentiality, sexual wellbeing, other intimate concerns and social justice issues. They have experience working with non-medical groups and are experienced in teaching students and non-clinicians.

Clients attending all three of services are commonly victims, vulnerable, marginalised, poor and less able to access traditional medical services. They commonly exhibit high-risk behaviours pertaining to sex and drug and alcohol use.

Administrative systems commonly found in sexual health centres such as independently held and secured files and coded filing systems and protocols and practices concerning confidentiality and appropriate interactions with other services allow clinical forensic medicine to be easily incorporated.

Clinicians gain from participating in these services by refreshing and developing specialist skills in the management of simple injuries, acute drug and alcohol withdrawal and in the law (forensic evidence collection, minors and custody issues).

Conclusions: The similarities between the practise of sexual health, sexual assault and forensic medicine make the transition between the specialties smooth and relatively easy. Indeed the practice of one enhances the other two for clients and clinicians alike.