Proposing a new sexual health model of practice for disability teams: the Recognition Model

Background Health and social care professionals working with disabled people are increasingly recognising the importance of holistic practice that encompasses the sexual health needs of service users. For some this is a new and unfamiliar area of practice. A new sexual health model, the Recognition Model, developed to assist good practice, is proposed. Content The Recognition Model builds on evidence from an extensive research project into the practice of community physical disability teams (occupational therapists, nurses, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and psychologists). At its core is the recognition of disabled people as having sexual desires and needs like anyone else. This research indicated potential limitations of the PLISSIT sexual health model. Conclusions The Recognition Model takes a team approach to protect and support the sexual health of service users. It draws on existing skills within the team, and depends on every team member, regardless of role, positively responding to direct or indirect questions asked by the service user, thereby affirming the relevance and priority he or she may attach to sexual expression.