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Szczepański A, Klesiewicz K, Ankiersztejn-Bartczak M, Drożdż K, Szetela B, Olechowska-Jarząb A, Brzychczy-Włoch M. Voluntary counselling and testing points (VCTs) in Poland as a complementary and accessible alternative to public healthcare facilities: A comparative analysis of epidemiological data from the VCTs and the National Institute of Public Health NIH-National Research Institute (2015-2022). HIV Med 2024. [PMID: 38773822 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Voluntary counselling and testing points (VCTs) offer anonymous and free HIV tests in Poland. They also play an essential role in educational initiatives focused on the prevention and diagnosis of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. However, no comprehensive data is available that summarizes the results of the work carried out by these VCTs. Therefore, our aim was to conduct a comparative analysis of epidemiological data obtained from VCTs and data reported by the epidemiological surveillance undertaken by the National Institute of Public Health NIH-National Research Institute (NIPH NIH-NRI) covering the period from 2015 to 2022. METHODS This retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 258 071 people attending VCTs in Poland in 2015-2022. RESULTS On average, 32 259 individuals underwent testing each year, with a notable increase in the number of people being tested in November. The average positivity rate was 1.39% (3576/258 071). The Masovian voivodeship conducted the most tests and had the highest number of positive results. The comparative analysis of the frequency of detecting positive results in VCTs and those reported in NIPH NIH-NRI data revealed that, on average, 31.49% (3576/11 356) of positive results in Poland between 2015 and 2022 were identified through tests conducted at VCTs. CONCLUSION The positive results identified in VCTs constituted approximately one-third of all results reported by the National Institute of Public Health NIH-National Research Institute, highlighting the importance of VCTs. Moreover, the high availability of testing in the Masovian voivodeship resulted in better detection of HIV. The educational actions performed during European Testing Week increased the number of tests performed in November.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Szczepański
- Department of Molecular Medical Microbiology, Chair of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- Association of Health Prevention "One World", Kraków, Poland
| | - Karolina Klesiewicz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | | | - Kamil Drożdż
- Department of Molecular Medical Microbiology, Chair of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Bartosz Szetela
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Disease and Acquired Immune Deficiencies, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
- Wrocławskie Centrum Zdrowia ZOZ, All Saints Clinic, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Aldona Olechowska-Jarząb
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Monika Brzychczy-Włoch
- Department of Molecular Medical Microbiology, Chair of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
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Mitchell HD, Whitlock G, Zdravkov J, Olsson J, Silalang P, Bardsley M, Blomquist PB, Jenkins C, Thomson NR, Field N, Hughes G. Prevalence and risk factors of bacterial enteric pathogens in men who have sex with men: A cross-sectional study at the UK's largest sexual health service. J Infect 2023; 86:33-40. [PMID: 36343788 PMCID: PMC10564623 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Outbreaks of bacterial enteric pathogens (BEPs) in men who have sex with men (MSM) associated with antimicrobial resistance are a public health concern. We investigated the prevalence and risk factors of BEPs in MSM to inform infection control. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study at a London sexual health clinic between 20/12/2017 and 06/02/2018. Residual rectal swabs from MSM attending for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing were anonymously tested for a range of BEPs using real-time PCR. A sub-set of samples were tested for the mphA gene (a marker of azithromycin resistance). Results were linked to electronic health records. RESULTS BEPs were detected in 207 of 2116 participants, giving an overall prevalence of 9.8% (95% CI 8.5%-11.1%) ranging from 0.8% (0.4%-1.2%) for Shigella to 4.9% (4.0%-5.9%) for Enteroaggregative E. coli. MSM with BEPs were more likely to have a history of bacterial STIs (p = 0.010), to report more sexual partners (p<0.001), and among HIV-negative MSM, to report current HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis use (p<0.001). Gastrointestinal symptoms were rare (1.7%) and not associated with BEPs. 41.3% of MSM with BEPs and 14.1% of those without BEPs carried mphA (p<0.001). Among the former, this was associated with a history of bacterial STIs (51.5% vs 31.1%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS One in ten MSM had a BEP detected and most did not report symptoms. MphA carriage was common, particularly among those with BEPs. Bacterial STI treatment might contribute to selection of resistant gut organisms, emphasising the need for better antimicrobial stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly D Mitchell
- Centre for Molecular Epidemiology and Translational Research, Institute for Global Health, University College London, Mortimer Market Centre, Off Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB, UK; The National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London, UK.
| | - Gary Whitlock
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, W1D 6AQ, UK
| | - Jey Zdravkov
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, W1D 6AQ, UK
| | - Jenny Olsson
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, W1D 6AQ, UK; Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Panida Silalang
- Clinical and Public Health Group, UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Megan Bardsley
- The National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London, UK; Clinical and Public Health Group, UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Paula B Blomquist
- The National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London, UK; Clinical and Public Health Group, UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Claire Jenkins
- Clinical and Public Health Group, UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, UK; The National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Gastrointestinal Infections at University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Nicholas R Thomson
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK; Department of Pathogen Molecular Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Nigel Field
- Centre for Molecular Epidemiology and Translational Research, Institute for Global Health, University College London, Mortimer Market Centre, Off Capper Street, London, WC1E 6JB, UK
| | - Gwenda Hughes
- The National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London, UK; Clinical and Public Health Group, UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, UK
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Jedrzejewski T, Gosset D, Lasry S, Gazalet P, Wormser L, L'Yavanc T, Moreau E, Bonhomme P, Palich R, Fremondière M, Grellier J, Dubois A, Pierre N, Tihu A, Ohayon M. Le 190 a treize ans : l’expérience du premier centre de santé sexuelle français. SANTE PUBLIQUE (VANDOEUVRE-LES-NANCY, FRANCE) 2023; 34:275-279. [PMID: 37336744 DOI: 10.3917/spub.hs2.0275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Le 190 is a sexual health center in Paris founded in 2010. Its initial objective is to reduce the HIV/AIDS epidemic locally among men who have sex with men (MSM) through multidisciplinary support rooted in the reality of the sexuality and affective life of HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM. Because of its constant concern for overall gay health and its community character, its activity has diversified and has enabled it to be a forerunner in both care and care pathways, on both the medical and regulatory aspects. Mental health and the complications of chemsex are taking an increasingly important place in the demand for care and the support has been adapted and perfected with the patients. Today, Le 190 is considered a model by many community actors and health professionals and is celebrating its 13th anniversary, an opportunity to share its experience and reaffirm its demonstrated benefit for public health and universal care. The major innovations of the center as well as the limitations and difficulties it has encountered will allow for a better understanding of community health in practice and more specifically gay health.
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Rodger AJ, McCabe L, Phillips AN, Lampe FC, Burns F, Ward D, Delpech V, Weatherburn P, Witzel TC, Pebody R, Kirwan P, Gabriel M, Khawam J, Brady M, Fenton KA, Trevelion R, Collaco-Moraes Y, McCormack S, Dunn D. Free HIV self-test for identification and linkage to care of previously undetected HIV infection in men who have sex with men in England and Wales (SELPHI): an open-label, internet-based, randomised controlled trial. Lancet HIV 2022; 9:e838-e847. [PMID: 36460023 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00266-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High levels of HIV testing in men who have sex with men remain key to reducing the incidence of HIV. We aimed to assess whether the offer of a single, free HIV self-testing kit led to increased HIV diagnoses with linkage to care. METHODS SELPHI was an internet-based, open-label, randomised controlled trial that recruited participants via sexual and social networking sites. Eligibility criteria included being a man or trans woman (although trans women are reported separately); being resident in England or Wales, UK; being aged 16 years or older; having had anal intercourse with a man; not having a positive HIV diagnosis; and being willing to provide name, email address, date of birth, and consent to link to national HIV databases. Participants were randomly allocated (3:2) by computer-generated number sequence to receive a free HIV self-test kit (BT group) or to not receive this free kit (nBT group). Online surveys collected data at baseline, 2 weeks after enrolment (BT group only), 3 months after enrolment, and at the end of the study. The primary outcome was confirmed (linked to care) new HIV diagnosis within 3 months of enrolment, analysed by intention to treat. Those assessing the primary outcome were masked to allocation. This study is registered with the ISRCTN Clinical Trials Register, number ISRCTN20312003. FINDINGS 10 111 participants (6049 in BT group and 4062 in nBT group) enrolled between Feb 16, 2017, and March 1, 2018. The median age of participants was 33 years (IQR 26-44 years); 9000 (89%) participants were White; 8118 (80%) participants were born in the UK; 81 (1%) participants were transgender men; 4706 (47%) participants were university educated; 1537 (15%) participants had never been tested for HIV; and 389 (4%) participants were taking pre-exposure prophylaxis. At enrolment, 7282 (72%) participants reported condomless anal sex with at least one male partner in the previous 3 months. In the BT group, of the 4511 participants for whom HIV testing information was available, 4263 (95%) reported having used the free HIV self-test kit within 3 months.Within 3 months of enrolment there were 19 confirmed new HIV diagnoses (0·31%) in 6049 participants in the BT group and 15 (0·37%) of 4062 in the nBT group (p=0·64). INTERPRETATION The offer of a single, free HIV self-test did not lead to increased rates of new HIV diagnoses, which could reflect decreasing HIV incidence rates in the UK. Nonetheless, the offer of a free HIV self-testing kit resulted in high HIV testing rates, indicating that self-testing is an attractive testing option for a large group of men who have sex with men. FUNDING UK National Institute for Health and Care Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison J Rodger
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Leanne McCabe
- UK MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Fiona C Lampe
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fiona Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Denise Ward
- UK MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Valerie Delpech
- National Infection Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Department of Public Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - T Charles Witzel
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Peter Kirwan
- National Infection Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Michelle Gabriel
- UK MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jameel Khawam
- National Infection Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Michael Brady
- Department of Sexual Health and HIV, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sheena McCormack
- UK MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - David Dunn
- UK MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
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Effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing HIV acquisition and transmission among gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in high income settings: A systematic review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276209. [PMID: 36260550 PMCID: PMC9581368 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV transmission continues among gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (GBMSM), with those who are younger, or recent migrants, or of minority ethnicity or who are gender diverse remaining at increased risk. We aimed to identify and describe recent studies evaluating the effectiveness of HIV prevention interventions for GBMSM in high income countries. METHODS We searched ten electronic databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), conducted in high income settings, and published since 2013 to update a previous systematic review (Stromdahl et al, 2015). We predefined four outcome measures of interest: 1) HIV incidence 2) STI incidence 3) condomless anal intercourse (CLAI) (or measure of CLAI) and 4) number of sexual partners. We used the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (UK) Quality Appraisal of Intervention Studies tool to assess the quality of papers included in the review. As the trials contained a range of effect measures (e.g. odds ratio, risk difference) comparing the arms in the RCTs, we converted them into standardized effect sizes (SES) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS We identified 39 original papers reporting 37 studies. Five intervention types were identified: one-to-one counselling (15 papers), group interventions (7 papers), online interventions (9 papers), Contingency Management for substance use (2 papers) and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) (6 papers). The quality of the studies was mixed with over a third of studies rated as high quality and 11% rated as poor quality. There was some evidence that one-to-one counselling, group interventions (4-10 participants per group) and online (individual) interventions could be effective for reducing HIV transmission risk behaviours such as condomless anal intercourse. PrEP was the only intervention that was consistently effective at reducing HIV incidence. CONCLUSIONS Our systematic review of the recent evidence that we were able to analyse indicates that PrEP is the most effective intervention for reducing HIV acquisition among GBMSM. Targeted and culturally tailored behavioural interventions for sub-populations of GBMSM vulnerable to HIV infection and other STIs should also be considered, particularly for GBMSM who cannot access or decline to use PrEP.
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HIV, chemsex, and the need for harm-reduction interventions to support gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Lancet HIV 2022; 9:e717-e725. [PMID: 35926550 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00124-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have identified an association between the use of drugs in sexual contexts (chemsex) and HIV among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), although whether a causal relationship exists is contentious. An intricate relationship exists between chemsex, HIV treatment and prevention, harm reduction, and the provision of community-grounded health services. Furthermore, potential harms exist beyond HIV, such as intoxication and overdose. Community-engaged responses to chemsex involve social and cultural strategies of harm reduction and sexual health promotion before, during, and after a chemsex session. Ultimately, this Review calls for actions and collaborations aimed at developing a greater understanding of chemsex as a practice within different GBMSM subpopulations and to develop tailored harm-reduction models that can accommodate GBMSM who engage in chemsex in various ways and with varied effects.
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Whitlock GG, Ahmed N, Nori A, Richardson D, Clarke E, Browne R, Doctor J, Williams A, Parkhouse A, Clouser O, Thornhill J. Characteristics of HIV post‐exposure prophylaxis recipients at six English sexual health clinics during COVID‐19. HIV Med 2022; 23:1103-1107. [PMID: 35403371 PMCID: PMC9111810 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Disruption to sexual health services during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2; coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID‐19]) pandemic may have adversely affected the provision of HIV post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP), possibly leading to increased HIV transmission. Globally, services have reported a reduction in the number of PEP prescriptions dispensed during lockdowns, although it is unclear why. Our primary objective was to describe the temporal change in weekly HIV PEP dispensed at six English sexual health clinics in 2020. Methods We performed a cross‐sectional review of PEP prescriptions from six English centres during 2020. Results During 2020, 2884 PEP prescriptions were dispensed across the six centres studied, a fall of 34.5% from the 4403 PEP prescriptions in 2019. Before the COVID‐related lockdown in 2020, the PEP dispensed was stable at 82.5 per week. Following the first lockdown, this fell to a nadir of 13 in week 14 (Figure 1). Prescriptions rose to a peak of 79 in week 37 and then declined to 32 prescriptions in the last week of 2020. There was no difference in the following characteristics of PEP recipients before and during the first lockdown: age, ethnicity, country of birth or the service the recipient attended. Conclusion Whatever the reason for the fall in PEP seen in England over 2020, it is essential that HIV testing and access to HIV prevention is maintained for those in need.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadia Ahmed
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust London UK
| | - Achyuta Nori
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust London UK
| | - Daniel Richardson
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust Brighton UK
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School Brighton UK
| | | | - Rita Browne
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust London UK
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Girometti N, McCormack S, Tittle V, McOwan A, Whitlock G. Rising rates of recent preexposure prophylaxis exposure among men having sex with men newly diagnosed with HIV: antiviral resistance patterns and treatment outcomes. AIDS 2022; 36:561-566. [PMID: 34873084 PMCID: PMC8876422 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is contributing to achieve a reduction in HIV diagnoses in men having sex with men (MSM). Albeit infrequent, HIV infections in the context of recent PrEP exposure represent a clinical challenge. METHODS Data on recent PrEP use and possible reasons leading to HIV infection were analysed in individuals newly diagnosed with HIV at 56 Dean Street clinic in 2016-2020. Demographics, immune-virological parameters, genotypic resistance test results and treatment management in this group were compared with those not reporting recent PrEP exposure using Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS Fifty-two of 1030 (5%) individuals reported recent PrEP exposure at HIV diagnosis; 98% were MSM, median age 34 years (interquartile range [IQR] 28-42), 65% of white ethnicity, 65% non-UK-born. 35% reported PrEP intake the day before testing HIV positive, 46% reported sub-optimal PrEP adherence since their last negative HIV test result. Thirty-three of 52 (63%) were self-sourcing PrEP and 9/52 (17%) reported issues with its supply. Recent PrEP use was associated to lower HIV viral load and higher CD4+ cell count at baseline than in counterparts non-recently exposed to PrEP (P < 0.01). M184V mutation was harboured more commonly in the recent PrEP use group (30% vs. 1%, P < 0.01). The proportion of individuals recently exposed to PrEP among those diagnosed with HIV rose sharply, reaching 21% in the first semester of 2020. Viral suppression was achieved by all patients intensified from PrEP to antiretroviral treatment (ART) who remained in care at week 24. DISCUSSION Rapid PrEP intensification to ART allowed to achieve high rates of HIV viral suppression despite significant rates of M184V mutation harboured in those newly diagnosed with HIV and reporting recent PrEP exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Girometti
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
| | - Sheena McCormack
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London, UK
| | - Victoria Tittle
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
| | - Alan McOwan
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
| | - Gary Whitlock
- 56 Dean Street, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
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Lorenc A, Brangan E, Kesten JM, Horner PJ, Clarke M, Crofts M, Steer J, Turner J, Muir P, Horwood J. What can be learnt from a qualitative evaluation of implementing a rapid sexual health testing, diagnosis and treatment service? BMJ Open 2021; 11:e050109. [PMID: 34686552 PMCID: PMC8543645 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate experiences of implementing a new rapid sexual health testing, diagnosis and treatment service. DESIGN A theory-based qualitative evaluation with a focused ethnographic approach using non-participant observations and interviews with patient and clinic staff. Normalisation process theory was used to structure interview questions and thematic analysis. SETTING A sexual health centre in Bristol, UK. PARTICIPANTS 26 patients and 21 staff involved in the rapid sexually transmitted infection (STI) service were interviewed. Purposive sampling was aimed for a range of views and experiences and sociodemographics and STI results for patients, job grades and roles for staff. 40 hours of observations were conducted. RESULTS Implementation of the new service required co-ordinated changes in practice across multiple staff teams. Patients also needed to make changes to how they accessed the service. Multiple small 'pilots' of process changes were necessary to find workable options. For example, the service was introduced in phases beginning with male patients. This responsive operating mode created challenges for delivering comprehensive training and communication in advance to all staff. However, staff worked together to adjust and improve the new service, and morale was buoyed through observing positive impacts on patient care. Patients valued faster results and avoiding unnecessary treatment. Patients reported that they were willing to drop-off self-samples and return for a follow-up appointment, enabling infection-specific treatment in accordance with test results, thus improving antimicrobial stewardship. CONCLUSIONS The new service was acceptable to staff and patients. Implementation of service changes to improve access and delivery of care in the context of stretched resources can pose challenges for staff at all levels. Early evaluation of pilots of process changes played an important role in the success of the service by rapidly feeding back issues for adjustment. Visibility to staff of positive impacts on patient care is important in maintaining morale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Lorenc
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research, Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Emer Brangan
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Joanna M Kesten
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research, Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Paddy J Horner
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Unity Sexual Health, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Michael Clarke
- Unity Sexual Health, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Megan Crofts
- Unity Sexual Health, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Jonathan Steer
- South West Regional Laboratory, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Bristol, UK
| | - Jonathan Turner
- South West Regional Laboratory, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Muir
- South West Regional Laboratory, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Bristol, UK
| | - Jeremy Horwood
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research, Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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