Article Text
Abstract
Background/introduction Symptomatic patients are prepared to wait hours for open access sexual health services; however, patients without symptoms want simple and convenient access to testing.
Aim(s)/objectives We therefore introduced a new online booking service for asymptomatic patients and evaluated if patients would use it correctly.
Methods All booked asymptomatic screens from 1st December– 13th January 2015 were analysed. These patients were registered and self-triaged as per normal and analysis of the electronic patient record was performed on the 27th January.
Results During this period 285 patients attended via the online booking service and the majority (91%) were asymptomatic and seen by the health care assistants. The median (min, max) number of appointment each weekday was 10 (1, 31) and 39% of these patients were from the local two boroughs.
Discussion/conclusion The majority of patients used the online booking service correctly. Further work is required to increase the range of services available via online booking.