A care pathway for chlamydia, what's happening in primary care 12 months on?

Abstract

Primary care is seen as central to the future provision of sexual health services, including chlamydia screening. The aim of this study was to establish levels of awareness and application of a chlamydia care pathway among practice nurses in primary care 12 months after its launch and present knowledge and practice of testing. Questionnaires were sent to 46 practice nurses at 22 general practitioner practices within the care pathway pilot site. Response rate was 33/46 (72%), with 30 (94%) practice nurses aware of the care pathway and 19 (62%) routinely using it. Endocervical swabbing was performed by 29 (90%) respondents, no endourethral swabs were taken from men and 85% nurses did not perceive partner notification as being part of their role. Practice nurses identified the need for training in using the care pathway and in identification of infection to optimize the provision of effective sexual health care in primary care.