A national audit of the management of young people in genitourinary medicine clinics (level 3 services) in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors in sexual health in the United Kingdom conducted this baseline audit against standards in the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) Management of STIs and related conditions in children and young people (2010) guideline: offer of screen (standard 90%), acceptance of screen (90%), completion of risk assessment proforma (100%), following a guideline (100%). Staff in 73 clinics submitted data for 2108 patient episodes. Of these clinics 68 (93%) follow BASHH guidelines and 68 (93%) use a record proforma. Of the 2108 patients 1732 (82%) were assessed using a proforma. Where a proforma was used the records were more complete: data were present for 82% of four selected characteristics when a proforma was used and 33% of these characteristics when not used. Of the 2108 patients 1946 were at risk of infection, 1871 (96%) were offered tests and 1692 (90%) accepted. Standards were met on offer and acceptance of tests. Most participating clinics follow guidelines, but the standard of 100% was not met. Use of a proforma was frequent and was shown to improve assessment; the standard of 100% use was not met. The main recommendation is to implement conscientious use of a proforma at all clinics.