Does online sexually transmitted infection screening compromise care? A service evaluation comparing the management of chlamydial infection diagnosed online and in clinic. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gasmelsid, Nur; Moran, Benjamin CB; Nadarzynski, Tom; Patel, Rajul; Foley, Elizabeth
• Is Part Of: International journal of STD & AIDS. Volume 32:Number 6(2021)
• Page Start: 528
• Page End: 532
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Access -- sexually transmitted infections -- on-line; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; 616.951
• DOI: 10.1177/0956462420980929
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-4624

Abstract

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.