Sexual health services--a patient preference survey

We sought to determine the extent to which attenders at a genitourinary (GU) medicine clinic would be willing to see their general practitioner (GP) for sexual health services, and the factors that were important to them in making this decision. Fifty-nine percent of 209 patients expressed a preference for the GU clinic, and 30% for seeing a GP. Sixty-two percent of patients would accept an appointment with a GP if this meant being seen more quickly. The two most important factors reported by patients in deciding where to be seen were confidentiality (81% rated this 'very important') and attitudes of staff (75%). Range of tests available and specialist knowledge were also highly valued (65%). The findings support the development of sexual health services in primary care settings.