The evolution of an integrated sexual health service.
The objective of the study was to assess the contributions of different providers across an integrated sexual health-care network to the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The method employed was retrospective cross-sectional survey of laboratory tests for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis between 01 April 2004 and 31 March 2007. The total number of STI screens in all venues rose from 17,126 to 23,679. The proportion of STI screens occurring in the genitourinary (GU) medicine clinic fell from 75% to 55% (P < 0.0001). There was an 11% increase in male screens performed in the community. The number of STIs diagnosed rose from 2354 in 2004 to 3128 in 2007, with an upward trend of community-diagnosed STIs. In conclusion, the role of community services increased during the evolution of the integrated sexual health network, although the majority of STIs were diagnosed within in the GU medicine clinic. Male screens accounted for one-third of those performed. A gap in male attendances remains despite the plurality of services.
Creighton
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S
Department of Sexual Health, Homerton Hospital, Homerton Row, London, UK. sarah.creighton@homerton.nhs.uk
Apea
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V
D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009344:Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014247:Trichomonas Vaginitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014246:Trichomonas vaginalis / Q000302:isolation & purification