Demand for HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing is on the rise, but local authority budgets are shrinking. Patients typically waited over a week for chlamydia and gonorrhoea test results, and then had to return to the clinic for treatment.
The results of an NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West funded interview-based study have been published in BMJ Open. The paper examines the experiences of implementing a first-of-its-kind rapid STI testing, diagnosis and treatment service delivered in Unity Sexual Health which provides sexual health services for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
The service involves patients dropping off their samples which are then checked with new rapid testing equipment, so that results, treatment and advice can be given within hours. As most STIs do not cause any symptoms, early detection and treatment can help stop infections spreading and prevent serious disease developing.