Perceptions and experiences of using internet-based testing for sexually transmitted infections

Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a serious public health problem and testing is crucial to tackling their spread. Internet-based testing allows individuals to order a self-sampling kit online and receive their results electronically, reducing the need to attend a clinic unless for treatment. Its usage has grown rapidly in many high-income countries and existing research has found it to be acceptable, however uptake remains low among some high-incidence populations. This study sought to explore perceptions and experiences in order to understand how they impact use. Methods There were a combination of methods used to address the research questions of this project. Firstly, a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative research was conducted, to establish current understandings of perceptions and experiences. This led to semi-structured interviews with users of internet-based testing and focus groups with people from Black ethnic groups. The findings from these methods informed the design of a discrete choice experiment (DCE), which was piloted using qualitative and quantitative methods. Results Internet-based testing was perceived to offer privacy and convenience, which were the main facilitators to use. There were also concerns, however, that users were missing valuable support from staff and that self-sampling is both challenging and unreliable. This perception was stronger among Black ethnic groups and this population was also uncomfortable with the delivery of kits by post. Although some participants had concerns about SMS results, most who experienced it found it to be acceptable. The DCE design was found to be feasible and valuable through piloting. Conclusions These findings revealed a number of adaptations which could be made to 13 service delivery and promotion, which may improve the uptake and experience of internet-based testing. There would be value in further qualitative research exploring the views of populations of interest and in quantitative research exploring perceptions and experiences on a larger scale

Perceptions and experiences of internet-based testing for sexually transmitted infections: Systematic Review and Synthesis of Qualitative Research.

BACKGROUND Internet-based testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) allows asymptomatic individuals to order a self-sampling kit online and receive their results electronically, reducing the need to attend a clinic unless for treatment. This approach has become increasingly common, however there is evidence that barriers exist to accessing it, particularly among some high-risk populations. We review the qualitative evidence on this topic, as qualitative research is well-placed to identify the complex influences which relate to accessing testing. OBJECTIVE To explore perceptions and experiences of internet-based testing for STIs among users and potential users. METHODS Searches were run through five electronic databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsychINFO and Web of Science) to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2005 and 2018. Search terms were drawn from four categories: STIs; testing or screening; digital health; and qualitative methods. Included studies were conducted in high-income countries and explored patient perceptions or experiences of internet-based testing, and data underwent thematic synthesis. RESULTS A total of 11 studies were included in the review, from 1735 identified in the initial search. The synthesis identified that internet-based testing is viewed widely as being acceptable, and is preferred over clinic testing by many individuals due to perceived convenience and anonymity. However, a number of studies identified concerns relating to test accuracy and lack of communication with practitioners, particularly when receiving results. There was a lack of consensus on preferred media for results delivery, although convenience and confidentiality were again strong influencing factors. The majority of included studies were limited by the fact that they researched hypothetical services. CONCLUSIONS Internet-based testing providers may benefit from emphasising its comparative convenience and privacy compared to face-to-face testing in order to improve uptake, as well as alleviating concerns about the self-sampling process. There is a clear need for further research exploring in-depth the perceptions and experiences of people who have accessed internet-based testing, and for research on internet-based testing explicitly gathering the views of populations which are at high-risk of STIs. CLINICALTRIA

Abstracts of the 3rd Annual Graduate Entry Research in Medicine Conference

This book contains the abstracts of the papers presented at The 3rd Annual Graduate Entry Research in Medicine Conference (GERMCON 2020) Organized by Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick in collaboration with Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Wales, UK held on 12–18 October 2020. This was especially important for Graduate Entry Medical (GEM) students, who have less opportunity and time to engage in research due to their accelerated medical degree. Conference Title: 3rd Annual Graduate Entry Research in Medicine ConferenceConference Acronym: GERMCON 2020Conference Date: 12–18 October 2020Conference Location: Online (Virtual Mode)Conference Organizer: Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, UKCo-organizer: Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Wales, UK Other Abstract Book of GERMCON: Abstracts of the 4th Annual Graduate Entry Research in Medicine Conferenc