Supporting adolescents in general practice: engaging adolescents in sexual health consultations, STI screening and mandatory reporting requirements

This webinar provides clinical information to primary health care professionals to confidently engage adolescents in sexual health consultations, focusing on sexual health, including STI screening, trauma-informed communication, and clarity around mandatory reporting duties. It also addresses heightened public concern following recent media coverage of child sexual abuse, offering practical guidance to ensure GPs feel capable and supported in responding effectively and sensitively.

Speaker: Dr Suzanne Pearson, Sexual Health Victoria

Dr Suzanne Pearson (she/her) is a general practitioner and senior medical educator who brings her enthusiasm for education and training to health professionals. She is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and has a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Teaching. Suzanne coordinates the Family Planning Alliance Australia's National Certificate in Reproductive and Sexual Health for Doctors course and Implanon NXT training. Suzanne has authored articles, such as "LARC: New evidence to guide clinical practice," published in the RACGP's Australian Journal of General Practice. 

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Engage adolescents in sexual health consultations with confidence
• Apply trauma-informed communication and STI screening practices
• Explain and meet mandatory reporting obligations
• Respond effectively to disclosures of sexual abuse