Patient views on examinations as part of asymptomatic screening in sexual health clinics

Abstract

Examinations of asymptomatic patients (AP) do not always take place in sexual health clinics, partly due to the evidence that clinically significant findings (not identified by urine and blood tests) are rarely found on examination of these patients. However, it is unclear from the literature as to whether patients, given the option, would choose to be examined when fully aware of what may be identified on examination as well as the frequency of positive findings. A total of 110 men attending a sexual health clinic who self-identified as asymptomatic were given a patient information sheet (PIS) describing the place and value (if any) of examinations in AP and were asked if they would like an examination. Of the 83 truly asymptomatic men with low sexual risk involved, 86% expressed the intention of having an examination having read the PIS.