The Sexual Health Rehabilitation Service (SHRS) at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre is excited to announce the launch of a new course in CCRS this week “Sexual Health in Healthcare: Tips for Breaking the Ice.” The course is open to health care professionals within all of the provincial health authorities. Its aim is to increase the awareness of the importance and prevalence of sexual health concerns in chronic illness, as reflected in a 2013 study which revealed 1 in 6 people reported a health condition that affected their sex life in a 12 month period (that is 24% of males and 18% of females).

Why was this course developed?

The development of this course by the SHRS was inspired by the need for health care providers in areas outside of rehabilitation to begin identifying sexual health concerns in their client populations. Research has shown that discomfort with the subject matter, time constraints and a lack of training in the area are common reasons for not addressing sexual health in health care. This course is the first step in attempting to narrow this gap by teaching methods on how to address this area.

About Sexual Health Rehabilitation Services

The SHRS is recognized, nationally and internationally, as a forerunner in clinical practice, education delivery, and research in the area of sexuality and disability/chronic illness. A provincial tertiary care, consultative interdisciplinary service, the SHRS provides brief intervention therapy for patients with neurological disabilities and/or disorders, and their families.