Client perspectives on sexual health service provision

Development of integrated genitourinary medicine (GUM) and family planning (FP) services must take into account the views and requirements of service users. As we strive to modernize sexual health services, various changes are being introduced, such as a policy of no microscopy for selected patients attending GUM clinics. In order to determine the views of our clients prior to implementation of change, we performed a qualitative study in our UK centre, which houses both FP and GUM. One hundred women presenting to FP and 100 to GUM were interviewed. In addition, we collected details of their characteristics to identify any significant differences in users attending each clinic. A summary of their views and characteristics is presented. Although near-patient testing results in a longer time spent in clinic, 99% of participants expressed a preference for immediate microscopy results and treatment. GUM and FP clients exhibited many similar characteristics.