Introduction

Information technology (IT) could potentially decrease the rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by increasing uptake of STI testing and treatment, increasing condom use or, possibly, by reducing partner change. This article will focus on the use of practical IT interventions from a clinic or health department perspective (table 1). The use of IT outside clinics or health departments is beyond the scope of this article, but clearly many avenues are available to facilitate behaviour change, not least, of course, being the rapidly expanding phenomena of social media.1

The sexual history provides the risk assessment on which STI testing is based and is well suited to the use of computer-assisted self-interviewing (CASI).2 CASI can overcome inequalities and disadvantage through the use of audio for those who cannot read or though translation into other languages. Studies comparing CASI to clinician histories have clearly shown that CASI provides more accurate answers to social desirability questions.2 What is not established yet is if the routine use of CASI results in improved uptake of testing and treatment, which is essential if it is to be an effective intervention to reduce the rates of STI.2

The outcome of CASI on testing and treatment has been evaluated in only two studies in STI clinics. In one three-arm randomised control trial (RCT) of 2351 STI clinic attendees in the UK, HIV testing was 27% lower in those randomised to CASI compared to those randomised to see a clinician.3 4 The second study was an observational study of over 14 000 individuals analysed from a clinic where CASI was operating as part of routine care. In this study, …