Implementation and outcomes of a new safeguarding pathway for vulnerable adults presenting to sexual health services.

Adult safeguarding is the process of protecting vulnerable adults from harm or exploitation. In 2014, our sexual health clinic implemented a new adult safeguarding pathway, including an adult safeguarding proforma, an electronic database and a monthly adult safeguarding meeting. We conducted a retrospective case note review of patients entered onto the safeguarding database and found that greater numbers of adults were identified as vulnerable following the introduction of this pathway. Many required referral for onward support, highlighting the importance of robust safeguarding procedures in a sexual health setting.