A multi-setting audit of the management of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection.
OBJECTIVE
To audit current management of genital chlamydia infection in the Waikato District Health Board (DHB), using 2008 Ministry of Health (MOH) management guidelines as the standard.


METHODS
Any setting within Waikato DHB that diagnosed 25 or more cases of chlamydia during February-October 2008 was eligible to participate. Each site was asked to complete an audit using a proforma for 20 consecutive cases.


RESULTS
Nineteen of 20 eligible sites provided data on 415 cases; 18.4% of all Waikato DHB cases during the 9 months. Treatment was documented for 380 (91.6%); of these, 369 (97.1%), or 88.9% of all 415 cases, had treatment within 28 days. Documentation of discussions with cases and outcomes was limited, restricting assessment of actual practice. Nonetheless, effective partner notification was lacking. Participants noted they had reviewed their own processes and made suggestions for improvements.


CONCLUSIONS
The audit has identified potential gaps between recommendations within the MOH guidelines and current practice. This has helped the development of ongoing education and training resources for local providers. Further, it is hoped participation in the audit may contribute to improved case management in high-caseload settings in our district. There is commitment to re-audit to evaluate this.
Morgan
Jane
J
Sexual Health Clinic, Waikato Hospital, Private Bag 3200, Hamilton, New Zealand. jane.morgan@waikatodhb.health.nz.
Donnell
Andre
A
Bell
Anita
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D054869:Clinical Audit; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D005832:Genital Diseases, Male / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents