Sexually transmitted infections in primary care: a need for education

General practitioners and practice nurses require the clinical skills that will enable them to detect sexually transmitted infections in the context o f a shift to having no, or insidious symptoms. They need to be able to conf irm the diagnosis and have clear models for management and referral. Primar y care and genitourinary medicine need to work more closely together to inc rease mutual understanding and clarify the issues which surround referral a nd attendance. Sexual health risk assessment through the investigation of s exual history is a helpful way forward in both differential diagnosis and i n targeting sexual health promotion and care. Many aspects of these clinica l skills are specific to the primary care context. There is a need for impr oved undergraduate, post-graduate, and in-service training. Multidisciplina ry educational approaches are ideal for the subject of sexual health. Prima ry care groups offer a potential way forward to help develop quality in pri mary care and some are developing health improvement programmes that aim to address sexual health issues.