Improving Quality of Sexual Health Care at a University: Project Outcomes

Background: Traditional college-age students are a high-risk group for sexually transmitted infections (STI). Objective: The aim of the article is to report on a project to reduce STI prevalence by improving sexual health care for all students accessing a Midwestern university student health clinic. Methods: A quality improvement design was used to implement evidence-based sexual health care by (a) administering a 10-item sexual health risk assessment through the electronic patient portal and (b) formatting the electronic health record (EHR) to display student preferred gender identity and sexual orientation. Results: Of the students accessing the health clinic, 68% completed the sexual health risk assessment. While 38% reported having a new partner within the last 90 days, only 12% had STI testing in the past 12 months. After the implementation, there was a 45% increase in the number of students who completed STI testing. Conclusions: The EHR sexual health risk assessment and chart banner updates were effective strategies to increase STI screening among students who are at high risk. Implications for Nursing: A standardized sexual health risk assessment assures high-quality, individualized care by identifying risk and knowledge deficiencies while recognizing and acknowledging gender identity and sexual orientation. A comprehensive, inclusive approach to college sexual health can decrease STI burden.