Nurse-led sexually transmitted disease clinics: staff perceptions concerning the quality of the service.
The aim of this study was to evaluate staff perception of a nurse-led sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinical service. The staff at the Amsterdam STI clinic were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. A series of eight questions was designed to determine the perceived advantages or disadvantages of nurse-led clinics, based on personal experience, using a Likert scale. After completion of the structured interview, the staff were offered the opportunity of providing comments. All 36 members of staff completed the survey. Twenty-seven (75%) agreed or strongly agreed that nurse-led clinics provided more time with patients. Sixty-four percent agreed or strongly agreed that such a service provided greater confidentiality and 94% agreed or strongly agreed that 'nurse-led clinics provided a high level of job satisfaction for nurses.' In contrast, only 64% agreed or strongly agreed that nurse-led clinics provided a high level of job satisfaction for doctors. When staff comments were evaluated, four common themes emerged. First, that this was an efficient way of providing services; second, that the clinic was a pleasant environment, there was excellent teamwork and greater job satisfaction; third, that a good deal of rivalry existed between doctors and nurses and finally, that there was a need for and importance of protocols, rules and staff training and development. In conclusion, there was a high level of staff satisfaction with the service. Nurse-led STI clinics may be a useful adjunct to existing STI facilities.
Sexually Transmitted Infections Research Centre (STIRC), University of Sydney, Marian Villa, Westmead Hospital, Westmead NSW 2145, Australia. a. mindel@usyd.edu.au
A
A
Mindel
J S A
JS
Fennema
E
E
Christie
E
E
van Leent
D005260:Female; D006782:Hospitals, Special / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D009746:Nursing, Team / Q000592:standards*; D010465:Perception; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires