Improving care for patients with sexually transmitted infections in South Africa.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the quality of integrated sexually transmitted infection (STI) services in primary health care.


METHODS
A two-page questionnaire, in collaboration with district health service supervisors, was developed to assess the quality of care and health services for STIs in individual clinics.


RESULTS
The data suggest that the quality-assessment instrument used has the potential to promote the improvement of STI care delivery at district and clinic levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The quality-assessment instrument proved easy to use, can be adapted to local requirements and is appropriate for use in developing countries. The authors maintain that using this instrument in various district clinics could help supervisors identify the main impediments to the delivery of high quality services, and give them a platform from which to set priorities in training, infrastructure, equipment and supplies.
Magwaza
Sphindile
S
Health Systems Trust, School of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Cape Town, Durban, South Africa. smagwaza@hst.org.za
Cooper
Diane
D
Coetzee
Nicol
N
D003906:Developing Countries; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006292:Health Priorities; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000592:standards; D012449:Safety / Q000592:standards; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000458:organization & administration*