‘GO ASK EDITH’: achieving a holistic approach to sexual health through
Knowledge Management
L. MacDonald
FPA Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Introduction: Knowledge Management is a multi disciplined approach to
achieving organisational objectives by making the best use of knowledge. FPA
Health has developed a knowledge management strategy to improve reproductive and
sexual health outcomes for it’s target population. Through designing a web
based interactive facility for clients and health professionals, FPA Health
contributes to and disseminates reproductive and sexual health knowledge,
information and learning.
Design & Methods: The ‘Go Ask Edith’ www.fpahealth.org.au/sex-matters/go-ask-edith/
website page offers an interactive facility, where web visitors can email
questions, which are answered by clinical nurse specialists in reproductive and
sexual health. These real life questions, form the basis of FPA Health’s
Frequently Asked Questions website page. An analysis of the information ensures
a focus on consumer needs. This information is then applied across FPA Health’s
range of services research, clinician training, health promotion, prevention and
treatment.
Results: The FPA Health website continues to attract an increasing
number of visits. Average monthly visits for 2003 is 20 000, compared with 15
000 for the previous year. The average number of questions posted per month
doubled in 2003. Over 50% of questions concern oral contraceptive and brands
such as Diane, Brevinor, and Yasmin. Implanon attracted 7% of questions in 2003.
Other dominant questions cover sexuality, STI’s, itching, breasts, falling
pregnant, erectile difficulties and period pain.
Conclusion: ‘Go Ask Edith’, is an effective Knowledge Management
strategy, giving FPA Health an alternative model to deliver holistic sexual
health care and meet the challenges of static budgets and service accessibility.