Why sexual health clinics are important in the 2020s

Abstract

To make services more accessible, acceptable and affordable, sexual health service delivery models have embraced innovation, technology, outreach and decentralisation. In particular, some routine high-volume services, like asymptomatic testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can be delivered in general practice, online or in non-clinical settings. On the surface, sexual health clinics, like hospitals or other primary care clinics, might appear to be operating on a model that has not changed significantly in recent times. However, globally sexual healthcare needs are rising both in volume and complexity, not all of which can be adequately met through decentralised care. Sexual health clinics themselves are the site of considerable innovation. The importance of sexual health clinics in the diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic STIs is likely to increase with the increasing burden of disease, the complexity of treatment guidelines and the emergence of new infections. Services essential to patient health such as immediate or complex clinical care, partner notification and safeguarding, and activities essential to the health system like research, training and supervision require expertise to be located where it can be accessed and maintained at reasonable cost. We do not know whether increasing some services outside existing models can safely compensate for reducing other services inside them.

Understanding adaptive responses in PrEP service delivery in Belgian HIV clinics: a multiple case study using an implementation science framework

“…Importantly, the potential and capacity of providers to adapt and overcome systemic constraints is not without limits, and often requires them to do more with less while juggling many competing priorities (e.g. HIV care for an ageing population, rising STI rates and emerging infectious diseases like COVID‐19 and mpox) in a context of limited funding for HIV and sexual health services [48, 49]. There are indications that these systemic constraints may have negative effects on client outcomes.…”

Male Urethritis in Primary Care: Real-World Evidence From a Portuguese Center

“…This framework ensured comprehensive training and provided the capability to refer more severe cases while granting access to essential diagnostic resources. The literature has consistently underscored the significance of such integrated care, emphasizing the benefits of specialized consultations that are decentralized from major hubs and positioned closer to patients [13][14][15]. Recognizing this, the authors established a patient-centric approach, seen as vital for effectively managing patients with STIs.…”