Mental Health Workers and Sexual Health BETTER model

At SHineSA we often use the PLISSIT model of a way for workers to frame their discussions with clients around Sexual Health. The main part of the PLISSIT model being the first letter P= Permission to talk about.
Here is another model being used in mental health - take a look!

Thanks to the Centre For Sexual Pleasure and Health for this information.

Sexual Studies: Sex and Mental Health: Getting BETTER

Every Saturday, The CSPH highlights news or recent research in the field of human sexuality.  This week we’re headed to Australia to look at a recent study focusing on the inclusion of sexual health information into mental health nursing practice.  About 20% of adults in Australia have long term mental or behavioral health problems that may affect their ability to form and maintain relationships.  As a result, and because of the prevalence of high risk sexual behaviors in all adults, this population is considered at high risk for STIs, sexual exploitation, and coerced sex.  Therefore it is important that such information is passed along to patients via those healthcare providers with whom they have extensive contact, such as nurses.

Demographics/Methodology

This was a qualitative exploratory study aimed at determining whether the BETTER model (Bring up, Explain, Tell, Time, Educate, Record) would be considered useful by nurses in discussing sex with patients.  Nurses were recruited from three mental health sites: a community continuing care clinic, an extended treatment clinic, and a rehabilitation center.  Fourteen nurses were chosen based on whoever was available and willing to sit down for an interview.  Slightly more than half of the nurses, who ranged in age from 24 to 60, were female.

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