Prevention of risky sexual behavior in primary health care: a best practice implementation project

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Sexually transmitted infections are a public health problem affecting 45% of adolescents and young adults worldwide. The evidence suggests that primary care settings are uniquely positioned to implement preventive interventions. The aim of this project was to improve nurses' interventions for preventing risky sexual behaviors in adolescents attending nursing consultations in a primary health care unit. METHODS: This project was guided by the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework. A baseline audit was conducted to evaluate current practice against recommended best practices. Barriers to compliance with the best practices were identified, and strategies were adopted to overcome them. A follow-up audit was conducted to measure changes in compliance with best practices, using the same approach as the baseline audit. RESULTS: Compliance rates improved for four criteria from baseline to follow-up audit. CONCLUSION: Through auditing and feedback, evidence-based interventions were implemented to prevent sexual risky behavior in adolescents in primary care settings. Further best practice implementation projects should be conducted to improve adolescent health outcomes.