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.