Patients support innovative models of care in recurrent genital herpes clinics: results from a patient satisfaction study

Abstract

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and is characterized by recurrent, painful, ulcerative lesions. Severe psychosocial disturbance has been described in a variety of settings and there are well-documented associations with poor self-esteem, centred around contagion and stigma. Recurrent genital herpes (RGH) is traditionally managed by doctors in the genitourinary medicine clinic setting; we wanted to evaluate patient's opinions on alternative models of care. We performed a questionnaire of patients attending our RGH clinic to ascertain patients' opinions and preferences. Seventy four percent of patients expressed a wish to see the same health-care professional at follow-up visits and 62% supported the idea of a nurse-led clinic. One-third found the concept of group sessions acceptable. Regarding GP follow-up management and prescribing, there was a split response with almost equal numbers accepting and rejecting this proposition (42 versus 45%). Seventy-six percent of patients thought that RGH had important psychological impact on their lives and 58% found the prospect of psychological referral acceptable.