Mixed-methods evaluation of a novel online STI results service

Gibbs, Jo; Aicken, Catherine; Sutcliffe, L; Gkatzidou, Voula; Tickle, L; Hone, Kate; Sadiq, S Tariq; Sonnenberg, Pam; Estcourt, Claudia

doi:10.1136/sextrans-2017-053318

Cited by 17 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…All of the studies were deemed valuable, had clear aims and statements of findings, and had appropriate methodologies, study designs, and data collection methods. However, most did not provide enough information to determine whether they met all of the criteria, with only 3 [ 36 - 38 ] reporting sufficient consideration of the researcher-participant relationship. Separately, 3 studies [ 35 , 38 , 42 ] described their analysis with limited detail, which meant it was not clear how themes were derived from the data and the methods were not replicable.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Nevertheless, almost half of the included studies reported positive attitudes towards the delivery of results electronically. This included Gibbs et al [ 38 ], who explored users’ experiences of receiving results via a website and found that:…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Almost a third of studies identified that participants’ preferences for a results medium were frequently influenced by its perceived convenience [ 36 , 38 , 40 ]. Roth [ 40 ], for example, quoted a participant discussing SMS results:…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Perceptions and Experiences of Internet-Based Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections: Systematic Review and Synthesis of Qualitative Research

et al. 2020

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Background Internet-based testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) allows asymptomatic individuals to order a self-sampling kit online and receive their results electronically, reducing the need to attend a clinic unless for treatment. This approach has become increasingly common; however, there is evidence that barriers exist to accessing it, particularly among some high-risk populations. We review the qualitative evidence on this topic, as qualitative research is well-placed to identify the complex influences that relate to accessing testing. Objective This paper aims to explore perceptions and experiences of internet-based testing for STIs among users and potential users. Methods Searches were run through 5 electronic databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2005 and 2018. Search terms were drawn from 4 categories: STIs, testing or screening, digital health, and qualitative methods. Included studies were conducted in high-income countries and explored patient perceptions or experiences of internet-based testing, and data underwent thematic synthesis. Results A total of 11 studies from the 1735 studies identified in the initial search were included in the review. The synthesis identified that internet-based testing is viewed widely as being acceptable and is preferred over clinic testing by many individuals due to perceived convenience and anonymity. However, a number of studies identified concerns relating to test accuracy and lack of communication with practitioners, particularly when receiving results. There was a lack of consensus on preferred media for results delivery, although convenience and confidentiality were again strong influencing factors. The majority of included studies were limited by the fact that they researched hypothetical services. Conclusions Internet-based testing providers may benefit from emphasizing this testing’s comparative convenience and privacy compared with face-to-face testing in order to improve uptake, as well as alleviating concerns about the self-sampling process. There is a clear need for further research exploring in depth the perceptions and experiences of people who have accessed internet-based testing and for research on internet-based testing that explicitly gathers the views of populations that are at high risk of STIs. Trial Registration PROSPERO CRD42019146938; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=146938

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Perceptions and Experiences of Internet-Based Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections: Systematic Review and Synthesis of Qualitative Research

et al. 2020

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“…The capacity to deliver one-to-one sessions varied, compromising the ability to standardise the targeted delivery of interventions. Initiatives to move sexual health service provision online19–21 could provide an opportunity for standardisation and links to digital resources. Using self-reported data on recent sexual behaviours, service users could be directed to different interventions, including postal self-testing, or face-to-face appointments in a SHC.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Healthcare provider and service user perspectives on STI risk reduction interventions for young people and MSM in the UK

Roy

King²,

Gilson

et al. 2019

Sex Transm Infect

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ObjectiveBehavioural interventions have been shown to reduce sexual behaviours associated with increased risk of sexually transmitted infections in young people (<25 years) and men who have sex with men (MSM) internationally, but evidence from England is limited. We aimed to explore service provider and user experiences and perspectives on behavioural interventions to reduce sexual behaviour risks, and the use of automated methods to triage individuals to these services.MethodsWe conducted a sequential mixed methods study with sexual health service providers and users in 2015/2016. Qualitative interviews with providers and service users (heterosexual young people and MSM) in London and Brighton allowed us to explore a range of experiences and expectations. A subsequent national web-survey of service providers measured the feasibility of delivery within existing resources and preferences for intervention attributes.ResultsWe conducted 35 service user (15 heterosexual young people; 20 MSM) and 26 provider interviews and had 100 web-survey responses. We found considerable heterogeneity in prevention services offered. Service users and providers were broadly supportive of tailoring interventions offered, but service users raised concerns about automated, data-driven triage, particularly around equity and fairness of service delivery. Digital technologies, including social media or apps, were appealing to providers, being less resource intensive. However, one-to-one talking interventions remained popular with both service users and providers, being familiar, trustworthy and personal. Key tensions between desirability of interventions and availability of resources to deliver them were acknowledged/recognised by providers and users.ConclusionOverall, behavioural interventions to reduce sexual behaviour risks were viewed favourably by service providers and users, with key considerations including: privacy, personalisation and convenience. However, introducing desirable targeted interventions within heterogeneous sexual health settings will require resources to adapt interventions and research to fully understand the barriers and facilitators to use within routine services.

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“…We end with an example of such an advance: the development of digital media to communicate test results, an area where such applications may bring improvement in privacy and in patient/user control over access. In a research report, Gibbs et al 3 also assess a service of this kind developed in UK GUM clinics. We also cover the application of digital technologies to diagnostics, as Allan-Blitz et al 4 report favourably on the performance of a smartphone-based electronic reader of dual HIV and syphilis POCTs.…”

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confidence: 99%

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2018

Sex Transm Infect

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Mixed-methods evaluation of a novel online STI results service

Cited by 17 publications

References 9 publications

Perceptions and Experiences of Internet-Based Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections: Systematic Review and Synthesis of Qualitative Research

Perceptions and Experiences of Internet-Based Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections: Systematic Review and Synthesis of Qualitative Research

Healthcare provider and service user perspectives on STI risk reduction interventions for young people and MSM in the UK

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