Sexual healthcare professionals’ views on the rapid provision of remote services at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study

Lunt, Alexandria, Llewellyn, C., Bayley, Jake and Nadarzynski, T. 2021. Sexual healthcare professionals’ views on the rapid provision of remote services at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study. International Journal of STD & AIDS. 32 (12), pp. 1138-1148. https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624211023018

TitleSexual healthcare professionals’ views on the rapid provision of remote services at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study
TypeJournal article
AuthorsLunt, Alexandria, Llewellyn, C., Bayley, Jake and Nadarzynski, T.
Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures forced sexual health services to engage with patients remotely. We aimed to understand perceived barriers and facilitators to the provision of digital sexual health services during the first months of the pandemic.

Methods: An online survey and qualitative interviews with UK sexual healthcare professionals recruited online and via snowball sampling were conducted in May–July 2020.

Results: Amongst 177 respondents (72% female, 86% White, mean age = 46, SD = 9), most utilised telephone and email as their main communication channels; however, their perceived effectiveness varied (94% and 66%, respectively). Most agreed that staff needed additional training (89%), the available technology was not adequate (66%) and health professionals were hesitant to provide online consultations (46%). They had positive attitudes towards digitalisation, improving service quality and cost-effectiveness but were concerned about exacerbating health inequalities.

Discussion: The study identifies a need for clear guidelines and training around the use of digital tools as well as a demand for investment in hardware and software required for the provision of remote services. Future research needs to explore the acceptability, safety and effectiveness of various digital tools to narrow health inequalities in sexual health service users.

KeywordsPublic Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Pharmacology (medical)
Infectious Diseases
Dermatology
JournalInternational Journal of STD & AIDS
Journal citation32 (12), pp. 1138-1148
ISSN0956-4624
1758-1052
Year2021
PublisherSage
Accepted author manuscript
License
CC BY 4.0
File Access Level
Open (open metadata and files)
Publisher's version
License
CC BY 4.0
File Access Level
Open (open metadata and files)
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624211023018
Web address (URL)https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09564624211023018
Publication dates
Published online09 Jun 2021
Published in print01 Oct 2021
Supplemental file
License
CC BY 4.0
File Access Level
Open (open metadata and files)
Page range095646242110230

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