Emergency unit care of sexually transmitted infections

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess provisions for management of sexually transmitted infections STIs , emergency contraception and pregnancy test in UK emergency departments. Postal questionnaires were sent to all consultant led emergency departments in the UK in January 1996. The response rate was 64 . Most departments made direct referrals to genitourinary medicine GUM clinics and most had access to appropriate clinics. While 55 had facilities for diagnosis of at least one of the 3 common STIs Chlamydia trachomatis , Neisseria gonorrhoeae and herpes simplex , only 6.25 had facilities for all 3. A minority of units provided training in the management of STIs. Emergency physicians should be trained in the early management of STIs and a coordinated working relationship should be developed between emergency and GUM departments to provide optimal sexual health care.