Managing genital infection in community family planning clinics: an alternative approach to holistic sexual health service provision.
OBJECTIVE
To pilot and evaluate sexually transmitted infection (STI) management in community family planning clinics (FPCs).


METHODS
Number of STI tests taken, positive results, infections treated, contacts traced/treated, referrals to specialist services and time from testing to treatment were documented as well as age and sex of the population tested.


RESULTS
STI tests taken increased from 233 to 308/month and male clients seen increased from 114 to 147/month across all clinics. Chlamydia prevalence rates in one large clinic increased from 6.7% to 11.9%. 82% of those with STIs in this clinic were treated. Of 44 clients treated for chlamydia, 84% had partner notification performed, 0.43 contacts were treated for every client with chlamydia and referrals to specialist services decreased. 70% of STIs were detected in clinic users under the age of 25 and 45.5% of clients tested under the age of 16 had an STI. Before STI treatment was available at FP clinics 52% of clients with STIs attended specialist services after referral and time from testing to treatment was 19 days. Managing STIs in the community increased treatment rates to 82% with a testing to treatment time of 10 days.


CONCLUSIONS
The management of uncomplicated genital infection in community FPCs working in partnership with specialist services is a feasible and effective approach to holistic sexual health service provision.
Evans
J
J
The Department of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care, Lewisham Primary Care Trust, St Giles Hospital, St Giles Road, London SE5 7RN, UK. evaj@freeuk.com
Baraitser
P
P
Cross
J
J
Bacon
L
L
Piper
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000600:supply & distribution; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000628:therapy*; D005832:Genital Diseases, Male / Q000628:therapy*; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000628:therapy*