Emergency unit care of sexually transmitted infections

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.