Background/introduction Locally commissioners have raised concerns as regards the number of patients re-attending as a new episode of care (rebook) at the countywide sexual health clinics, rebook patients accounting for 54% of new/rebook attendances over a three month period. Commissioning concerns focussed on whether re attendance for recurrent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to previous suboptimal health prevention/promotion. Are there any grounds for these concerns?

Aim(s)/objectives To ascertain the reasons why patients re-attend clinics as rebook patients.

Methods A retrospective analysis of 150 case notes of rebook patients was undertaken with respect to age, gender and reasons for attendance. In addition a questionnaire survey was administered prospectively to 172 rebook patients as regards reasons for re-attendance.

Results In the retrospective study, 106/150 (71%) were female, the average age of males was 30.4, the average age of female was 23.9. 56% (84/150) of patients attended three times or more related to genital warts, genital herpes, pelvic pain, contraception or recurrent bacterial vaginosis. In the prospective survey. 24% stated that they had re-attended because of genital warts, recurrent genital soreness or pelvic pain. 73/172(42%) were asymptomatic. Between 48–63% stated they preferred to attend because of the expertise, friendliness and confidentiality of the clinic.

Discussion/conclusion In one study, 56% of attendees had attended with recurrent issues not related to recurrent bacterial STIs. Between 48–63% had attended related to friendliness, expertise and confidentiality of the clinic inferring that quality of care and confidentiality are important factors in reasons for re-attendance.