Inequalities in access to genitourinary medicine clinics in the UK: results from a mystery shopper survey

Abstract

Access to GUM services has worsened for those with symptoms suggestive of an acute STI and is significantly poorer for asymptomatic women. This evidence may support the reintroduction of process targets.

Clinical presentation of asymptomatic and symptomatic women who tested positive for genital gonorrhoea at a sexual health service in Melbourne, Australia

“…Other reasons besides sexual practices may include sociodemographic changes or changes in health services use. The increase in health care demand from the rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may be making it harder to access health care, and consequently increasing the duration of untreated infection which would lead to ongoing transmission [17][18][19].…”

Highlights from this issue

“…We are reminded of the ‘bad old days’ before access targets which transformed the front entrance to STI services, in a mystery shopper study by Foley et al 6 Again there are emerging concerns about UK services, the consequences of which are reflected on in an accompanying letter 6…”

Vaccination against antibiotic resistant gonorrhoea for men who have sex with men in England: a modelling study

“…However, in recent years, access to UK sexual health services has worsened for individuals with symptoms of an acute sexually transmitted infection. 29 This insufficient capacity in sexual health clinics could create a vicious circle, where treatment delays cause onward transmission, increased incidence, and further unmet treatment need, a situation that would be exacerbated by antibiotic resistance. 30 A vaccine would ease this pressure by averting infections, thereby reducing demand on clinics -provided, of course, that the clinics have sufficient capacity to administer the vaccination.…”