Dados do Trabalho

Título

"Enhancing the Standard of Medical Practice: The Urgency to Expand Sexual Health Education in Medicine"

Resumo

Introduction: Sexual Health (SH) is a fundamental component of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being, directly influencing an individual's quality of life and overall functioning. However, currently, many medications and medical treatments can cause sexual morbidity due to the complex interaction between sexual function and various bodily systems. SH education for medical students is crucial to address the demands related to sexuality and clinical management of patients' sexual issues. Nonetheless, there is a significant gap in medical education regarding the recognition and proper treatment of sexual symptoms resulting from certain medications, surgical interventions, and oncological treatments, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment on a global scale. Objective: This study aims to analyze SH education in the undergraduate medical program, aiming to mitigate the adverse effects of therapies on SH. Methods: Ongoing descriptive and cross-sectional study involving fifth and sixth-year medical students. Anonymously and after reading the informed consent form, participants responded to an online questionnaire comprising questions related to the theoretical and practical approach. Results: To date, 92 students have responded to the questionnaire. The lack of comprehensive and scientifically accurate information is demonstrated about their knowledge to discuss sexual problems with their patients(25% feel confident, 34% are unsure, and 41% report unpreparedness). Also impacts the practical approach during patient consultations: 50% answered "no" or "uncertain" when asked how confident they are in addressing issues related to patients' sexual health. Conclusion: The lack of preparedness and knowledge demonstrated by students becomes evident, reflecting a concerning gap in medical education, compromising the quality of care provided to patients and ethical medical practice to minimize from nonmaleficence regarding sexual issues, improving general health. To ensure that physicians do not cause harm actively (medications and treatments) it is imperative that medical education institutions implement measures to more comprehensively and effectively include sexual medicine education in their curriculum, aiming to prepare future physicians to address the challenges and demands related to their patients' sexuality.

Palavras Chave

Medical education, Sexual health education, Clinical ethics