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Bullying of whatever form should have no place in the Medical Profession. Reforms to junior doctor training and reduction in working hours have helped to control most of the individual bullying which may have existed in the past. However, the complexities of institutional bullying still exist. In the United Kingdom, centralised monitoring systems, such as Athena SWAN, are designed to reward academic and medical institutions for positive steps to introduce equality and mitigate bullying. However, the reality is that such processes may be conducted in healthcare or educational establishments that have little intention to address the problem thoroughly. We report the personal experience of both individual and institutional bullying in the medical career of a medically-qualified interviewee and reflect on ways to mitigate the problem. We also consider whether unconscious bias affects our relationships with patients. In a caring medical profession, there should be no room for intolerance, unconscious bias or bullying.

We argue commercial sex workers have rights to healthcare and psychosocial support. While decriminalization is not legally enacted in most countries, we would suggest these workers rights include freedom from harassment and opportunities to lead healthy lives. The need for healthcare access for all is heightened in the COVID-19 pandemic where some people flout rules on lockdown by engaging with commercial sex workers and may unwittingly spread SARS-CoV-2 in so doing. Unrestricted healthcare access without stigma for commercial sex workers protects them, and has a beneficial societal effect on those who engage with them and on their contacts.

Background/introductionStudies show that use of dating apps amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) is associated with an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. There is a paucity of research regarding the use of similar apps amongst the heterosexual population.Aim(s)/objectivesTo quantify heterosexual use of dating apps and explore the sexual practices of app users.MethodsAnonymised questionnaires were offered to heterosexual attendees of two GUM clinics, throughout August 2015. Respondents self-completed information relating to purpose and frequency of app use, number of sexual partners, recreational drug use (RDU), condomless sex and STI diagnoses.ResultsQuestionnaires were returned by 539 attendees: 70% (377) women, 30% (162) men. Median age was 21–30 years.Abstract O001 Table 1Use of mobile phone appsTotalMenWomenEver used dating app132 (24%)45/132 (34%)87/132 (66%)Frequency of app useMonthly34/132 (26%)14/45 (31%)20/87 (23%)Every few months16/132 (12%)7/45 (16%)9/87 (10%)Reason for app useSeeking long term relationship85 (64%)11 (24%)74 (85%)Seeking casual sex13 (10%)9 (20%)4 (5%)Sex with app partnerUnprotected52 (39%)25 (56%)27 (31%)Protected59 (45%)13 (29%)46 (53%)RDU with app partner13 (10%)12 (26%)1 (1%)Diagnosed with STI after meeting app partner6 (5%)2 (4%)4 (5%)Would request STI testing kit via app62%Would value sexual health information via app57%DiscussionA quarter of heterosexual GUM attendees frequent apps to find partners. This study identified high rates of STIs, condomless sex and RDU amongst app users, with rates mirroring those seen amongst MSM. Sexual health promotion and/or STI testing packages would be welcomed by most app users.ConclusionA quarter of heterosexual GUM attendees frequent apps to find partners. This study identified high rates of STIs, condomless sex and RDU amongst app users, with rates mirroring those seen amongst MSM. Sexual health promotion and/or STI testing packages would be welcomed by most app users.