Quality of sexually transmitted infection clinical management and contact tracing outcomes in a remote area of high sexually transmitted infection endemicity
Publication Details
Mak, D. B., Plant, A., & Bulsara, M. K. (2004). Quality of sexually transmitted infection clinical management and contact tracing outcomes in a remote area of high sexually transmitted infection endemicity. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 31(8), 449-454. doi: 10.1097/01.olq.000013598389474.91
Abstract
Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess health professionals' adherence to Western Australian sexually transmitted infection (STI) management guidelines and to document the outcomes of contact tracing in a remote Indigenous setting.
Methods: This article comprises 2 parts: a retrospective clinical audit of quality of clinical ST1 management and outcomes of contact tracing and an analysis of completeness of relevant laboratory investigations.
Results: Documented clinical ST1 management of index cases varied from 94% receiving treatment in accordance with the Guidelines, whereas only 48% underwent a clinical examination. Sexual contacts who underwent ST1 consultation had concordant (30%) and discordant (17%) STI(s). The proportion of patients with STI(s) in whom all appropriate laboratory investigations had been requested increased from 25% in 1998 to 9% to 49% in 2001-2002.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that quality of clinical ST1 management comparable to that obsewed overseas is possible despite the challenges of healthcare delivery in a remote setting.
Keywords
peer-reviewed
