Learning activities

i. Mature minors and sexual health

1. Is our patient a mature minor?

Sexual health is an issue often encountered in primary care, and duties of confidentiality are extremely relevant due to the sensitivity and privacy of the topic. In Estelle’s case, she has the right to access medical care for sexual health, including contraception.

Can Estelle be considered a mature minor? Yes

2. Does our patient need STI screening?

STI screening is important and often involves the patient divulging very private information. This information should be kept confidential between the practitioner and the patient, and discussed in the context of the patient’s sexual health. This is particularly relevant in young patients and adolescents, who may not have had a STI screen before, are at high-risk of STIs, are often less open about discussing sexual health, and may not have a comprehensive understanding of sexual health or STIs.

Was Dr S right to recommend STI screening to Estelle?