Developing the role of the healthcare support worker in sexual health

Abstract

The role of healthcare support workers (HCSWs) in sexual health is as invaluable tools of the trade in providing and developing flexible, client-focused frontline services ( Meek et al, 2014 ). Long client waits within a central Glasgow clinic setting have emphasised the need for change and provided a platform for extending the options available for clients. This article highlights the extended roles of HCSWs in provision of client-centred care within integrated sexual and reproductive health services in Glasgow. This service provision is underpinned by a defined protocol, incorporating inclusion criteria for asymptomatic screening, which allows a low-risk, self-selection process for the client, deeming them eligible to be seen within a test-only clinic (TOC).

Unlicensed assistive personnel in ambulatory care

“…3,[12][13][14] Common clerical tasks performed by UAP included chart preparation, restocking, and referrals. 3,[15][16][17][18] Clinical tasks assigned to UAP varied widely, including height and weight measurement, 17 vital sign measurement, [14][15] ECG recording, 18 venipuncture/ phlebotomy, [13][14][17][18][19][20] urinalysis, 12 vaccination/injections, 10,13,18 ear irrigation, 21 wound care/ dressing changes, [13][14][15] instrument reprocessing, 10 and diagnostic testing. 11,14 In specialty settings, a wide variety of specialty-specific skills were noted, including foot care, 10 removal of peripheral IV catheters, 20 administering screening questionnaires, 19 various therapy services procedures, 22 and assisting with biopsies.…”

“…Other articles demonstrating use of UAP in ambulatory settings came from Scotland, 19,27 Australia, 10 New Zealand, 3 and the US. 15,16,20 Although this review was limited to articles published in English, the range of countries represented suggests the need for creative means of improving access to patient care may extend well beyond the English-speaking world.…”