Co-produced patient pathway for sexual health follow-up with children and young people using a paediatric sexual assault referral centre (SARC): facilitating elements of self-care and self-testing.

Abstract

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. No commercial reuse. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. BACKGROUND Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is increasingly recognised and the impact often lifelong. At least 15% of girls/young women and 5% of boys/young men experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 16 years, after which they may be offered sexual health followup (SHFU) from a paediatric sexual abuse referral centre (SARC). For children and young people (CYP) and their carers, the visit may be anxietyprovoking or risk revisiting trauma. For referring teams, there may be barriers to finding an appropriate provider, especially for CYP aged under 13 years who cannot attend standard sexual health clinics. For primary care providers, these consultations may feel beyond daytoday competencies.