title: Client perspectives on sexual health service provision.
abstract: Development of integrated genitourinary medicine (GUM) and family planning (FP) services must take into account the views and requirements of service users. As we strive to modernize sexual health services, various changes are being introduced, such as a policy of no microscopy for selected patients attending GUM clinics. In order to determine the views of our clients prior to implementation of change, we performed a qualitative study in our UK centre, which houses both FP and GUM. One hundred women presenting to FP and 100 to GUM were interviewed. In addition, we collected details of their characteristics to identify any significant differences in users attending each clinic. A summary of their views and characteristics is presented. Although near-patient testing results in a longer time spent in clinic, 99% of participants expressed a preference for immediate microscopy results and treatment. GUM and FP clients exhibited many similar characteristics.
authors.affiliation: The Sandyford Initiative, 2-6 Sandyford Place, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G3 7NB, UK. catrionamelville@tiscali.co.uk
authors.forename: Catriona R S
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Melville
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bigrigg
authors.forename: Rak
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nandwani
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000379:methods*; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D014572:Urology / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019522:Vaginal Discharge / Q000628:therapy