Outputs

This study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) under its Health Services and Delivery Research Programme (Reference Number: NIHR129157). The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.

Gibbs J, Howarth AR, Sheringham J, Jackson LJ, Wong G, Copas A, Crundwell DJ, Mercer CH, Mohammed H, Ross J, Sullivan AK, Murray E, Burns FM. Assessing the impact of online postal self-sampling for sexually transmitted infections on health inequalities, access to care and clinical outcomes in the UK: protocol for ASSIST, a realist evaluation. BMJ Open 2022;12:e067170. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067170

Lay summary: The ASSIST protocol paper gives a detailed description of how and why we are doing the research for the study.

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Sumray K, Lloyd KC, Estcourt CS, Burns F, Gibbs J. Access to, usage and clinic outcomes of, online postal sexually transmitted infection services: a scoping review. Sex Transm Infect 2022; 98(7):528-535. doi: 10.1136/sextrans-2021-055376.

Lay summary: Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is often done at home instead of in clinics. People can order kits online that are posted to them, with results provided online or by text message. This work looked at ten of these online services in England. We found that most people using the kits had no symptoms when they ordered them. They also usually described themselves as White, women, over 20 years old, and from more wealthy areas. Online services tended to increase the number of people testing for STIs. People said the services were acceptable, easy, reliable, and discreet. But, groups that have more STIs and have greater need for these services are not using them as much. It's important to understand why services are not used by these groups so we can improve them for the people who need them the most.

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Gibbs J, Solomon D, Jackson L, Mullick S, Burns F, Shahmanesh M. Measuring and evaluating sexual health in the era of digital health: challenges and opportunities. Sex Health 2022; 19(4): 336-345. doi: 10.1071/SH22068.

Lay summary: In this paper, we discuss the uses and potential of digital technology in sexual healthcare – identifying where it has worked well and where there is room for improvement. We give recommendations for people and organisations who provide sexual health services. We examine how digital technology could help to (i) reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV; (ii) increase diagnosis and treatment of STIs; and (iii) improve care and support for people with STIs. We describe the steps needed to make the most of digital technology and provide the best possible sexual healthcare for everyone across the world.

List of ASSIST conference abstracts

Spence T, Sheringham J, Howarth A, et al. Service user perspectives on online postal self-sampling (OPSS) for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing: a qualitative study. Poster presentation at STI & HIV 2023 World Congress, Chicago, USA, 24-27 July 2023.

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Spence T, Sheringham J, Howarth A, et al. The implementation of online postal self-sampling (OPSS) for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing in England: staff and stakeholder perspectives. Poster presentation at STI & HIV 2023 World Congress, Chicago, USA, 24-27 July 2023.

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Spence T, Sheringham J, Howarth A, et al. The implementation of online postal self-sampling (OPSS) for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing in England: staff and stakeholder perspectives. Oral presentation at HSR UK Conference 2023, University of Birmingham, UK, 4-6 July 2023.

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Gallego Marquez N, Howarth A, Dema E, et al. Differences in who accesses online STI testing services in Britain: findings from Natsal-COVID, a cross-sectional population survey (O27) Sex Transm Infect 2023; 99(Suppl1):A14-A15. DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-BASHH-2023.27. Oral presentation at BASHH Spring Conference 2023, Llandudno, North Wales, UK, 26-28 June 2023.

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Spence T, Sheringham J, Howarth A, et al. Service user perspectives on online postal self-sampling (OPSS) for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing: a qualitative study (P135) Sex Transm Infect 2023; 99(Suppl1):A88-A89. DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-BASHH-2023.173. Poster presentation at BASHH Spring Conference 2023, Llandudno, North Wales, UK, 26-28 June 2023.

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Spence T, Sheringham J, Howarth A, et al. The implementation of online postal self-sampling (OPSS) for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing in England: staff and stakeholder perspectives (P170) Sex Transm Infect 2023; 99(Suppl1):A109. DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-BASHH-2023.207. Poster presentation at BASHH Spring Conference 2023, Llandudno, North Wales, UK, 26-28 June 2023.