An evidence-based, sex positive strategy to make sexual history conversations less awkward and more effective for providers and patients
Sexual history taking can be an onerous and awkward task that does not reliably produce information useful for patient care.
Standard risk assessment questions may be alienating to patients, discourage honest disclosure, and communicate that the number of partners or acts is the only component of sexual risk and health. GOALS was developed for adult primary care providers, but has since been adapted for providers serving:
Older Adults navigating age-specific sexual health needs
Minors & Adolescents requiring sensitive, developmentally appropriate approaches
OBGYN Patients integrating sexual health seamlessly with reproductive care and family planning
The GOALS Approach was designed to:
Increase rates of routine HIV/STI screening
Increase patients’ motivation for and commitment to sexual health behavior
Increase rates of universal biomedical prevention and contraceptive education
Enhance the patient-care provider relationship
What are the 5 steps of GOALS Approach?
What People Are Saying
”I’ve incorporated the GOALS Framework into my clinic visits and I can say that I’m having more patient-centered interactions overall. It [GOALS] helps me to have a more positive footing with my patients and avoids some of the shaming questions that we once used. Patients are able to be more honest about their sex lives and I can better help them stay safe in their practices.”
— Caroline Carnevale, FNP, MPH, AAHIVS
“Creative, reliable, and genuinely passionate about what they do. Communication was top-notch and the final outcome was even better than we imagined. A great experience all around. If you’re looking for great partners, you’ve come to the right place.”
— Former Customer“Every detail was thoughtfully executed. We're thrilled with the outcome—it’s been such a worthwhile investment to work with a team of genuinely passionate people who not only care about the results, but also care about their clients as people.”
— Former Customer