FSRH publishes updated Service Standards for Consultations in Sexual and Reproductive Health Services

The Service Standards for Consultations in Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services provide guidance on the best practice for healthcare professionals conducting consultations in SRH to provide safe, efficient, and effective healthcare that is patient centred and equitable. This revised guide includes standards for online and remote consultations, additional standards supporting patients where English is a second language or need for alternative provision, and updated standards for confidentiality.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, consultations for SRH care have been conducted primarily through remote methods of consultation. The revised Service Standards for Consultations in SRH services outlines how to ensure that remote consultations facilitate confidentiality and respect for patient dignity. There are potential patient safety risks to consulting remotely. Effective safeguards should therefore be in place to protect patients not only when they attend a face to face consultation but also when they receive advice and treatment remotely. Safeguards are necessary whether the consultation happens in the context of an ongoing clinical relationship, or is a one-off interaction between the patient and healthcare professional. 

The Service Standards for Consultations in SRH services also include statements on the following aspects of consultations:

• Promoting Privacy, Dignity and Confidentiality
• Clinical Environment
• Standard Statement on Verbal Communication Skills
• Non-Verbal Communication Skills
• Use of a Chaperone
• Special Groups
• Child Sexual Exploitation  

To access the updated standard, click here.