#Patientcenteredcare

A pioneering chapter presented at the 2025 Argentine Society of Infectious Diseases (SADI) Congress introduces updated, evidence-based guidelines aimed at transforming how doctors worldwide—including in Thailand—approach sexual health histories in patient care. The guidelines, published and discussed by the HIV and STI Commission and developed with input from leading infectious disease specialists, offer clinicians seven core question areas essential for comprehensive sexual health consultations. Their adoption marks a significant shift toward more inclusive, respectful, and effective patient interactions, with important lessons for Thai healthcare providers and the wider community.

A new chapter unveiled at the 2025 Argentine Society of Infectious Diseases (SADI) Congress updates evidence-based guidelines for sexual health histories. The seven core question areas are designed to guide patient-centered conversations and reduce stigma in clinical settings. Thailand’s healthcare community can apply these insights to improve trust, confidentiality, and access across public and private sectors.

In Thai culture, discussions about sexual health can be sensitive and stigmatized. The adapted framework reflects a global effort to destigmatize services and improve care. Data from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health shows ongoing gaps in STI screening and patient trust, underscoring the need for clearer communication tools and empathetic clinical approaches. The guidelines offer a pragmatic model for Thai practitioners to foster confidentiality, trust, and patient-centered care within local contexts.

A new wave of research is shining light on the crucial, yet often overlooked, aspects of survivorship for breast cancer patients—including sexual health, holistic symptom management, and lifestyle choices like exercise and diet. The 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium recently devoted a special session to these quality-of-life issues, signaling an important shift in how doctors, researchers, and advocates are addressing the daily realities faced by breast cancer survivors worldwide—including here in Thailand.

A new wave of research is highlighting survivorship beyond tumor control—focusing on sexual health, holistic symptom management, and lifestyle choices such as exercise and diet. The 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium dedicated a session to these quality-of-life issues, signaling a shift in how clinicians, researchers, and advocates address daily life for breast cancer survivors worldwide, including in Thailand.

This matters for Thai readers because breast cancer remains among the most common cancers in women, and survivorship is improving thanks to earlier detection and better treatments. Data from Thailand’s health authorities show more women living years beyond diagnosis, which elevates the importance of quality-of-life considerations. The symposium’s emphasis on sexual wellbeing, supplements, and exercise offers practical guidance, but also underscores the cultural and clinical challenges of discussing these topics in medical and social settings.