Can Internet-Based Sexual Health Services Increase Diagnoses of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)? Protocol for a Randomized Evaluation of an Internet-Based STI Testing and Results Service

Patient demand on sexual health services in the United Kingdom is so high that many services have introduced online screening to accommodate more patients. There are concerns that these services may not be accessible to all. This service evaluation was undertaken to determine whether online screening is accessible by those patients most at need by comparing the demographics and number of asymptomatic chlamydial infections detected online and in clinic. No difference was found in the age nor level of deprivation, demonstrating that online services are an accessible way to screen for sexually transmitted infections without overburdening established services.

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Sexually transmitted infections and use of sexual health services among young Australian women: Women's Health Australia study

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1258/0956462001915949 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 313-323 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Victor Minichiello ◽

David Plummer ◽

Jan Savage ◽

Margot J Schofield ◽

Gita D Mishra

Keyword(s):

Health Services ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽

Women’S Health ◽

Women's Health ◽

Sexually Transmitted

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Can internet-based sexual health services increase diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Evaluation of an internet-based sexual health service

http://isrctn.com/ ◽

10.1186/isrctn13354298 ◽

2014 ◽

Author(s):

Paula Baraitser

Keyword(s):

Health Service ◽

Health Services ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Sexual Health Service

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The association between region of birth and sexually transmitted infections among people of black Caribbean ethnicity attending sexual health services in England, 2015

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0228654 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. e0228654

Author(s):

Ana K. Harb ◽

Hamish Mohammed ◽

Martina Furegato ◽

Sonali Wayal ◽

Catherine H. Mercer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Services ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Black Caribbean

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Standards for comprehensive sexual health services for young people under 25 years

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1258/095646202760029868 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 420-424 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

K E Rogstad ◽

I H Ahmed-Jushuf ◽

A J Robinson

Keyword(s):

General Practice ◽

Young People ◽

Health Service ◽

Health Services ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Sexual Health Service ◽

Contraceptive Services ◽

Level 2

This document is a first response to the need to develop sexual health services for young people on a single site whilst awaiting research from pilot studies of 'one stop shops' suggested in the Sexual Health and HIV strategy. It is a document which is intended to be a tool to use for those wishing to set up a service providing testing for sexually transmitted infections and provision of contraceptive services for those under 25 years. It is not intended that such a service would replace existing specialist or general practice care but complement it, allowing clients to choose the service most appropriate and acceptable to them, with close links and clear pathways of care for referral between services. This paper should be used as a template when initiating and monitoring a clinic but some of the standards may not be achievable without significant financial input. However, economic limitations should not detract from striving to achieve the best possible care for those most at risk from sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. For example, not all clinics will be able to provide the recommended tests for the diagnosis for gonorrhoea and chlamydia immediately, but should work towards achieving them. Although the upper age limit in this document is defined as 25 years, some providers may wish to limit clinics to those under 20 depending on local needs. Detailed information on specific issues such as consent and confidentiality, provision of contraception, investigation of non-sexually transmitted vaginal infections and sexually transmitted infection management and diagnosis are referenced and we recommend these are accessed by the users of this document. Many of the references themselves are live documents available on the worldwide web, and are constantly updated. The Sexual Health and HIV Strategy has now been published and these standards are aimed at those who wish to provide a level 2 sexual health service for young people wherever the setting e.g. genitourinary outreach clinic, contraceptive services, general practice. This document is a starting point to be reviewed and updated as new research becomes available, as the Sexual Health Strategy is implemented and with further input from providers of care (family planning, general practice, genitourinary medicine, gynaecology and paediatrics) and service users. All service providers must maintain a high quality of care and have networks both with those who provide more specialized services (Level 3) and Level 1 services. This document is an initial attempt to ensure that there is equity of clinical provision wherever a Level 2 sexual health service is provided and should be a useful tool for those setting up or monitoring services.

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Nonclinical Sexual Health Support for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections in Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol for a European Community Health Worker Online Survey (ECHOES)

JMIR Research Protocols ◽

10.2196/15012 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. e15012

Author(s):

Nigel Sherriff ◽

Jorg Huber ◽

Nick McGlynn ◽

Carrie Llewellyn ◽

Alex Pollard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Services ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Community Health ◽

Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽

Health Worker ◽

Community Health Worker ◽

Online Survey ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Sex With Men

Background The term “community health worker” (CHW) can apply to a wide range of individuals providing health services and support for diverse populations. Very little is known about the role of CHWs in Europe working in nonclinical settings who promote sexual health and prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Objective This paper describes the development and piloting of the first European Community Health Worker Online Survey (ECHOES) as part of the broader European Union-funded ESTICOM (European Surveys and Trainings to Improve MSM Community Health) project. The questionnaire aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of CHWs providing sexual health services to gay, bisexual, and other MSM in European settings. Methods ECHOES comprises three superordinate domains divided into 10 subsections with 175 items (routed) based on a scoping exercise and literature review, online prepiloting, and Europe-wide consultation. Additional piloting and cognitive debriefing interviews with stakeholders were conducted to identify comprehension issues and improve the clarity, intelligibility, accessibility, and acceptability of the survey. Psychometric properties, including internal consistency of the standardized scales used as part of the survey were examined. The final survey was available to 33 countries in 16 languages. Results Recruitment closed on January 31, 2018. Data from 1035 CHWs were available for analysis after application of the exclusion criteria. The findings of the ECHOES survey and the wider ESTICOM project, are now available from the ESTICOM website and/or by contacting the first author. Conclusions The findings of this survey will help characterize, for the first time, the diverse role of CHWs who provide sexual health services to gay, bisexual, and other MSM in Europe. Importantly, the data will be used to inform the content and design of a dedicated training program for CHWs as part of the larger ESTICOM project and provide recommendations for MSM-specific strategies to improve sexual health in general and to reduce the incidence and prevalence of HIV, viral hepatitis, and other STIs in particular. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/15012

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Integrated community-based sexual health services for young people in urban areas: are we meeting the needs of the local community?

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1258/ijsa.2008.008055 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 19 (10) ◽

pp. 713-714 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

K M Forbes ◽

N Rahman ◽

S Mccrae ◽

I Reeves

Keyword(s):

Health Services ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Local Community ◽

Local Population ◽

Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽

Community Based ◽

Transmitted Infection ◽

Sti Testing ◽

Hiv Test

Community-based sexual health services (SHS) are intended to improve access for people who may have difficulty attending traditional genitourinary medicine clinics. The objective of this study was to review uptake of sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing in an outreach clinic for those under 25 in an area where Black and minority ethnic groups comprise the majority of the local population. A retrospective case-notes review was undertaken of those attending. Standards were that Fraser guidelines should be completed in all under 16-year-old and all clients should be offered STI testing, HIV testing and contraception (if applicable) in accordance with local standards. One hundred and seventeen clients attended. Ten percent self-reported ethnicity was Asian. Thirty-six (31%) clients tested for chlamydia. Thirty (26%) had an HIV test. Five (14% of those tested) had a positive nucleic acid amplification test for chlamydia. Five (13%) of those requesting long term contraception had STI testing. This service has successfully improved access to STI screening. However, there may have been missed opportunities to offer tests in those requesting contraception. Under-representation of those of non-white ethnicity suggests access to SHS may be a particular problem and further work is required to improve the sexual health of the local community.

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