'Talking of Sex': developing and piloting a sexual health communication tool for use in primary care.

Objective: To develop and pilot a communication aid aimed at increasing the frequency with which sexual health issues are raised proactively with young people in primary care.

Methods: Group interviews among primary health care professionals to guide development of the tool, simulated consultations to pre-test it, and a pilot study to assess effectiveness.

Results: We developed an electronic consultation aid: Talking of Sex and piloted it in eight general practices across the UK.

Testing for HIV: concise guidance.

HIV is now a treatable medical condition and the majority of those living with the virus remain fit and well on treatment. Despite this a significant number of people in the UK are unaware of their HIV infection and remain at risk to their own health and of passing their virus unwittingly on to others. Late diagnosis is the most important factor associated with HIV-related morbidity and mortality in the U.