Providing Comprehensive Health Care to Men Who Have Sex with Men: Training Primary Care Providers in New York City, 2015

Background:  Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a diverse population with high rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), specifically syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV. Identifying and treating MSM requires providers to take a comprehensive sexual history and provide comprehensive care. Primary care providers (PCPs) are critical to reducing health disparities among MSM; however, stigma remains a barrier affecting patient access and care provided by PCPs. To address barriers in care for MSM, the New York City (NYC) STD Prevention Training Center (PTC) and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)’s Program Collaboration and Service Integration initiative hosted a one-day clinical symposium in 2015 on providing comprehensive care to MSM.

Methods:  To maximize reach and impact, NYC DOHMH and NYC PTC partnered with the American Academy of Pediatrics New York State chapter and Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, which has expertise in MSM care. Clinical sessions were presented on the sexual health of MSM, including sessions on taking a sexual history, anal health, reaching young MSM of color, and MSM health across the lifespan. Continuing medical and nursing education (CME and CNE) credits were offered.   

Results:  A total of 162 providers attended the symposium. Providers reported their area of focus as primary care (30%, n=49), adolescent/pediatric health (20%, n=33), HIV/AIDS (40%, n=64) and STDs (27%, n=43). Ninety-six percent (n=85) reported that the symposium met their educational needs. The majority of attendees agreed they would be able to apply knowledge/skills gained to their practice (98%, n=87) and develop strategies/provide interventions (99%, n=88).

Conclusions:  Partnerships involving local health departments and prevention training centers are critical to providing clinical training to improve the care of MSM patients. Further, trainings that integrate sexual, behavioral, and mental health are important, given the range of services offered by PCPs.