An express sexual health service: in and out in a jiffy
Peta Harrison A D , Catriona Ooi A B C and Timothy E. Schlub CA Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Jeffery House Level 1, 162 Marsden Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia. Email: catriona.ooi@health.nsw.gov.au
B University of Sydney Western Clinical School, Level 2, Clinical Sciences, C24 – Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
C Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, Edward Ford Building (A27), The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. Email: tim.schlub@sydney.edu.au
D Corresponding author. Email: petaharrison@gmail.com
Australian Health Review 40(3) 273-276 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH14255
Submitted: 18 December 2014 Accepted: 13 August 2015 Published: 5 October 2015
Abstract
Objectives The aims of the present study were to assess client satisfaction with existing services, gauge the interest in an express service option and to compare waiting times before and after the introduction of an express service.
Methods A survey evaluating satisfaction with existing services, waiting times and interest in an express service was offered to all clients attending the Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre in May 2013. A pilot of the express service ran from May to December 2013, and a follow-up survey was conducted in December 2013.
Results There was a high level of interest in the express service. Median waiting times and satisfaction with waiting times improved following introduction of the express clinic. A high level of satisfaction was reported in those who had used the express service.
Conclusions The express service was well received by clients and has the potential to improve client waiting times, increase clinic capacity and improve the overall client journey through the clinic.
What is known about the topic? Express service options for testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are being introduced both in Australia and overseas. Express services have been shown to increase clinic capacity and can create cost savings. They appear to be acceptable to clients.
What does this paper add? This paper demonstrates that an express service option can be successfully introduced in an at-risk multicultural population.
What are the implications for practitioners? The present study helps show that new models can be successfully introduced into long-standing traditional service models. Such models can help improve efficiency, clinic capacity and may produce cost savings. An express clinic is an option for screening asymptomatic clients for STIs. Clients complete a self-collected history and take self-collected specimens, and clinician-collected blood tests and throat swabs are advised accordingly.
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