An audit to evaluate the accessibility, cost, impact on work place absence and convenience of attending genitourinary medicine clinics in London and Plymouth.

Abstract

We conducted a survey to assess the accessibility, cost, impact on work place absence and convenience of attending two genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics, one in London and one in Plymouth. Nine hundred and fifty-eight questionnaires were collected for analysis (448 from London [L] and 510 from Plymouth [P]). The majority in London used public transport whereas the majority in Plymouth used private transport. Journey costs were less than 5 for the majority (75% L and 59% P). Of those in employment 229/678 (44%) had to take time off from work to attend. Women were significantly less likely (13/308, 4%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2-6.5%) than men (51/370, 14% 95% [CI] 10.317.3%) to give up annual leave to attend. Both clinics were judged accessible, affordable and convenient by the majority of clinic users.