Effectively managing a nurse-led Chlamydia Screening
Programme in England
SJ Lavelle
Liverpool and South Sefton Chlamydia Screening Programme,
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Objectives To demonstrate the model used for the
management of a chlamydia screening programme. To illustrate results achieved
within the first 18 months of screening
Methods The Chlamydia Screening Programme commenced
screening on 9th June 2004. There are currently over 50 sites (Contraceptive
Services, General Practices, Prisons, and Walk-In Centres) that are able to
offer opportunistic screening for chlamydia and gonorrhoea (using urine or
self-taken swabs) to men and women aged under 25 years of age. Following a
chlamydia positive diagnosis, clients are contacted from a central nurse-managed
Chlamydia Screening Office and an appointment is made for the client and their
partner to attend one of a range of local venues for treatment. Clients are
treated by nurses specially trained in partner notification who follow national
guidelines and are able to issue medication via Patient Group Directions (PGDs).
Clients who remain untreated following three recalls for treatment are referred
to the Screening Programme Lead for additional action, including possible home
visit.
Results A total of 16052 clients were opportunistically
screened for chlamydia between 9th June 2004 and 31st December 2005. Of these,
94% (15050) also opted to be screened for gonorrhoea on the same specimen. 12%
(1936) of clients tested were positive for chlamydia whilst 1% (173) were
positive for gonorrhoea. Treatment completion rates were 98% for chlamydia and
93% for gonorrhoea. 54% of all partners who were contactable were contacted. 60%
of those partners who were contacted were treated.
Conclusions This model of managing screening for
chlamydia is acceptable to clients, effective in treating those who test
positive and their partners. Clients are able to access non-invasive testing at
a range of venues, and may be treated in their local area by nurses.