FPNSW Reproductive and Sexual Health Handbook going digital
Family Planning NSW's Reproductive and Sexual Health: An Australian Clinical Practice Handbook 2020 delivers significant updates on overall approaches to reproductive and sexual healthcare as well as new information around the national cervical screening program, transgender care and abortion.
This release marks the fourth edition, and reflects changes in clinical care, law and health policy in areas including the national cervical screening program, abortion, and reproductive and sexual health for trans and gender diverse people.
Adj. Prof Ann Brassil, FPNSW CEO, says “there have been significant advancements for reproductive and sexual health over the past few years, clinically and legally, and the Handbook has been significantly updated to reflect all of these.
"The National Cervical Screening Program has seen great reform thanks to Australia's globally-leading research into the role of HPV in cervical cancer, and abortion was decriminalised in NSW last year. These are two key updates."
The Handbook now also includes an entire chapter focused on transgender and gender diverse reproductive and sexual health care, taking into account the substantial progress in this space.
Dr Deborah Bateson, FPNSW Medical Director, says that "along with the additional content, we have worked to expertly review all chapters since the last iteration of the Handbook in 2016, covering acute pelvic pain and gynaecological emergencies, menopause, and management of sexual assault and domestic violence in primary health care.
"Each chapter includes a range of websites linking to current resources and relevant guidelines and organisations, supporting a holistic approach to the delivery of reproductive and sexual health care.
The Handbook is a crucial resource for health professionals working in the field of reproductive and sexual health and for the first time, the 2020 version will be available through a subscription-based website - meaning both access for clinicians and health professionals and the range of information available has been improved.
"This Handbook is an indispensable companion for clinicians working in the field, and the move to a digital version means that health professionals will have immediate access to a resource that is practical and easy to navigate.
"With these updates, the Handbook continues to act as a one-stop-shop for doctors, nurses and other clinicians managing reproductive and sexual health problems in the primary care setting, supporting them in providing best practice clinical care."
Leaders in the reproductive and sexual health space, from the likes of The Australasian Sexual Health and HIV Nurses Association, Australian Association for Adolescent Health and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, have praised the update, noting that the online Handbook provides access to relevant, practical information that advocates person-centred care and inclusivity, and guides clinicians through the evidence and relevant policy and legal considerations that will support excellent reproductive and sexual health care to diverse communities.
The digital model of the Handbook is based on an annual subscription. For more information visit https://reproductiveandsexualhealth.org.au/
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