Comparing expectations and experiences of care for sexually transmitted infections in general practice: a qualitative study

Sutcliffe, Lorna J; Sadler, Katharine E; Low, Nicola; Cassell, Jackie A (2011). Comparing expectations and experiences of care for sexually transmitted infections in general practice: a qualitative study. Sexually transmitted infections, 87(2), pp. 131-135. London: BMJ Publishing Group 10.1136/sti.2010.043760

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Background A key aim of England's National Strategy for Sexual Health is to extend high-quality sexual health services in primary care.

Objectives To explore the expectations and experiences of men and women who initially presented at their general practice with a suspected sexually transmitted infection in order to identify areas where change could improve service delivery.

Methods Semi-structured interviews were carried out in six general practices and two genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in Brent primary care trust (London) and Bristol (southwest England). Patients within general practice, and GUM patients who had initially attended general practice were eligible to participate. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results 49 patients (29 women, 20 men) were interviewed. Patients approaching their GP practice typically expected written referral or in-house care, but this expectation was often not met. Absence of formal referral, lack of information and perceived avoidance of sexual health matters by practitioners were commonly cited as reasons for disappointment. However, a dedicated service within general practice met expectations well.

Conclusion Purchasers and providers of all general practice services should ensure that any patient consulting in primary care with a suspected sexually transmitted infection can either receive appropriate care there, or a formal and supported referral to a specialised GUM clinic or primary care service.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Original Article)

Division/Institute:

04 Faculty of Medicine > Pre-clinic Human Medicine > Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)

UniBE Contributor:

Low, Nicola

ISSN:

1368-4973

Publisher:

BMJ Publishing Group

Language:

English

Submitter:

Factscience Import

Date Deposited:

04 Oct 2013 14:10

Last Modified:

05 Dec 2022 14:01

Publisher DOI:

10.1136/sti.2010.043760

PubMed ID:

21084438

Web of Science ID:

000287516500012

BORIS DOI:

10.7892/boris.1317

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/1317 (FactScience: 202710)

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