PhD Defence Filippo Ronald Zimbile

Keywords: Public sexual health, Stepped Care, Self-care, eHealth 
 

"Using Stepped Care to Strategically Organize Ehealth and Promote Self-care: Experiences From Public Sexual Health Care in the Netherlands"

The thesis explores the integration of eHealth in public sexual and reproductive health services in the Netherlands. It highlights the Dutch Stepped Care Model (SCM), which aims to improve accessibility and promote self-care through web-based services. The SCM also coordinates cooperation between regional and national public sexual health providers, linking web-based and clinical services. The study evaluates various eHealth interventions, including the STI Sex Information Helpline and video consultations, finding them effective and well-received by both clients and healthcare professionals. Web-based self-training programs for sexual dysfunctions, such as pain during intercourse, are also assessed positively. The thesis concludes that eHealth can enhance service accessibility and self-care, but successful implementation requires collaboration with both target groups and professionals. 

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