Application of a Sexual Risk Assessment Tool in a Primary Care Clinic

Preventable sexually transmitted infections are detrimental to patient health and taxing for the health care system. Sexual risk assessments are an underutilized, cost-efficient method of detecting patient sexual risk and treatment needs. The Sexual Risk Behavior Inventory (SRBI) was implemented in a primary care setting based on provider opinions, and retrospective review of chart documentation was consistent with national findings of sexual risk assessment, which are not meeting guideline recommendations. Postimplementation, there was increased documentation of sexual risk assessment, and more sexual health information was collected; therefore, sexual risk assessment tools should be used at routine visits.