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Walter SR, Jackson J, Myring G, Redaniel MT, Margelyte R, Gardiner R, Clarke MD, Crofts M, McLeod H, Hollingworth W, Phillips D, Muir P, Steer J, Turner J, Horner PJ, De Vocht F. Impact of rapid near-patient STI testing on service delivery outcomes in an integrated sexual health service in the United Kingdom: a controlled interrupted time series study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e064664. [PMID: 36631238 PMCID: PMC9835959 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the impact of a new clinic-based rapid sexually transmitted infection testing, diagnosis and treatment service on healthcare delivery and resource needs in an integrated sexual health service. DESIGN Controlled interrupted time series study. SETTING Two integrated sexual health services (SHS) in UK: Unity Sexual Health in Bristol, UK (intervention site) and Croydon Sexual Health in London (control site). PARTICIPANTS Electronic patient records for all 58 418 attendances during the period 1 year before and 1 year after the intervention. INTERVENTION Introduction of an in-clinic rapid testing system for gonorrhoea and chlamydia in combination with revised treatment pathways. OUTCOME MEASURES Time-to-test notification, staff capacity, cost per episode of care and overall service costs. We also assessed rates of gonorrhoea culture swabs, follow-up attendances and examinations. RESULTS Time-to-notification and the rate of gonorrhoea swabs significantly decreased following implementation of the new system. There was no evidence of change in follow-up visits or examination rates for patients seen in clinic related to the new system. Staff capacity in clinics appeared to be maintained across the study period. Overall, the number of episodes per week was unchanged in the intervention site, and the mean cost per episode decreased by 7.5% (95% CI 5.7% to 9.3%). CONCLUSIONS The clear improvement in time-to-notification, while maintaining activity at a lower overall cost, suggests that the implementation of clinic-based testing had the intended impact, which bolsters the case for more widespread rollout in sexual health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott R Walter
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Joni Jackson
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Gareth Myring
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Maria Theresa Redaniel
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ruta Margelyte
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rebecca Gardiner
- Unity Sexual Health, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Michael D Clarke
- Unity Sexual Health, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Megan Crofts
- Unity Sexual Health, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Hugh McLeod
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - William Hollingworth
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - David Phillips
- Croydon Sexual Health, Croydon University Hospital, Croydon, UK
| | - Peter Muir
- Southwest Regional Laboratory, UK Health Security Agency, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation (NIHR HPRU), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jonathan Steer
- Southwest Regional Laboratory, UK Health Security Agency, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Jonathan Turner
- Southwest Regional Laboratory, UK Health Security Agency, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Paddy J Horner
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Unity Sexual Health, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation (NIHR HPRU), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Frank De Vocht
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Free C, Palmer MJ, Potter K, McCarthy OL, Jerome L, Berendes S, Gubijev A, Knight M, Jamal Z, Dhaliwal F, Carpenter JR, Morris TP, Edwards P, French R, Macgregor L, Turner KME, Baraitser P, Hickson FCI, Wellings K, Roberts I, Bailey JV, Hart G, Michie S, Clayton T, Devries K. Behavioural intervention to reduce sexually transmitted infections in people aged 16–24 years in the UK: the safetxt RCT. PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.3310/dane8826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
The prevalence of genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea is higher in the 16–24 years age group than those in other age group. With users, we developed the theory-based safetxt intervention to reduce sexually transmitted infections.
Objectives
To establish the effect of the safetxt intervention on the incidence of chlamydia/gonorrhoea infection at 1 year.
Design
A parallel-group, individual-level, randomised superiority trial in which care providers and outcome assessors were blinded to allocation.
Setting
Recruitment was from 92 UK sexual health clinics.
Participants
Inclusion criteria were a positive chlamydia or gonorrhoea test result, diagnosis of non-specific urethritis or treatment started for chlamydia/gonorrhoea/non-specific urethritis in the last 2 weeks; owning a personal mobile phone; and being aged 16–24 years.
Allocation
Remote computer-based randomisation with an automated link to the messaging system delivering intervention or control group messages.
Intervention
The safetxt intervention was designed to reduce sexually transmitted infection by increasing partner notification, condom use and sexually transmitted infection testing before sex with new partners. It employed educational, enabling and incentivising content delivered by 42–79 text messages over 1 year, tailored according to type of infection, gender and sexuality.
Comparator
A monthly message regarding trial participation.
Main outcomes
The primary outcome was the incidence of chlamydia and gonorrhoea infection at 12 months, assessed using nucleic acid amplification tests. Secondary outcomes at 1 and 12 months included self-reported partner notification, condom use and sexually transmitted infection testing prior to sex with new partner(s).
Results
Between 1 April 2016 and 23 November 2018, we assessed 20,476 people for eligibility and consented and randomised 6248 participants, allocating 3123 to the safetxt intervention and 3125 to the control. Primary outcome data were available for 4675 (74.8%) participants. The incidence of chlamydia/gonorrhoea infection was 22.2% (693/3123) in the intervention group and 20.3% (633/3125) in the control group (odds ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval 0.98 to 1.31). There was no evidence of heterogeneity in any of the prespecified subgroups. Partner notification was 85.6% in the intervention group and 84.0% in the control group (odds ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval 0.99 to 1.33). At 12 months, condom use at last sex was 33.8% in the intervention group and 31.2% in the control group (odds ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.28) and condom use at first sex with most recent new partner was 54.4% in the intervention group and 48.7% in the control group (odds ratio 1.27, 95% confidence interval 1.11 to 1.45). Testing before sex with a new partner was 39.5% in the intervention group and 40.9% in the control group (odds ratio 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.82 to 1.10). Having two or more partners since joining the trial was 56.9% in the intervention group and 54.8% in the control group (odds ratio 1.11, 95% confidence interval 1.00 to 1.24) and having sex with someone new since joining the trial was 69.7% in the intervention group and 67.4% in the control group (odds ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval 1.00 to 1.28). There were no differences in safety outcomes. Additional sensitivity and per-protocol analyses showed similar results.
Limitations
Our understanding of the mechanism of action for the unanticipated effects is limited.
Conclusions
The safetxt intervention did not reduce chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections, with slightly more infections in the intervention group. The intervention increased condom use but also increased the number of partners and new partners. Randomised controlled trials are essential for evaluating health communication interventions, which can have unanticipated effects.
Future work
Randomised controlled trials evaluating novel interventions in this complex area are needed.
Trial registration
This trial is registered as ISRCTN64390461.
Funding
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 11, No. 1. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Free
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Melissa J Palmer
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kimberley Potter
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ona L McCarthy
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lauren Jerome
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sima Berendes
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anasztazia Gubijev
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Megan Knight
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Zahra Jamal
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Farandeep Dhaliwal
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - James R Carpenter
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tim P Morris
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, London, UK
| | - Phil Edwards
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rebecca French
- Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Louis Macgregor
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Katy ME Turner
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Ford CI Hickson
- Sigma Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kaye Wellings
- Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ian Roberts
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Julia V Bailey
- eHealth Unit, Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Graham Hart
- Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Susan Michie
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tim Clayton
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Karen Devries
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Whittles LK, Didelot X, White PJ. Public health impact and cost-effectiveness of gonorrhoea vaccination: an integrated transmission-dynamic health-economic modelling analysis. THE LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:1030-1041. [PMID: 35427491 PMCID: PMC9217755 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(21)00744-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Gonorrhoea is a rapidly growing public health threat, with rising incidence and increasing drug resistance. Evidence that the MeNZB and four-component serogroup B meningococcal (4CMenB) vaccines, designed against Neisseria meningitidis, can also offer protection against gonorrhoea has created interest in using 4CMenB for this purpose and for developing gonorrhoea-specific vaccines. However, cost-effectiveness, and how the efficacy and duration of protection affect a gonorrhoea vaccine's value, have not been assessed. Methods We developed an integrated transmission-dynamic health-economic model, calibrated using Bayesian methods to surveillance data (from the Genitourinary Medicine Clinic Activity Dataset and the Gonococcal Resistance to Antimicrobials Surveillance Programme) on men who have sex with men (MSM) in England. We considered vaccination of MSM from the perspective of sexual health clinics, with and without vaccination offered to all adolescents in schools (vaccination before entry [VbE]), comparing three realistic approaches to targeting: vaccination on attendance (VoA) for testing; vaccination on diagnosis (VoD) with gonorrhoea; or vaccination according to risk (VaR), offered to patients diagnosed with gonorrhoea plus individuals who test negative but report having more than five sexual partners per year. For the primary analysis, vaccine impact was assessed relative to no vaccination in a conservative baseline scenario wherein time-varying behavioural parameters (sexual risk behaviour and screening rates) stabilise. To calculate the value of vaccination per dose administered, the value of vaccination was calculated by summing the averted costs of testing and treatment, and the monetary value of quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gains with a QALY valued at £20 000. Costs were in 2018–19 GB£, and both costs and QALYs were discounted at 3·5% per year. We analysed the effects of varying vaccine uptake (0·5, 1, or 2 times HPV vaccine uptake by MSM in sexual health clinics in England), vaccine efficacy (1–100%) and duration of protection (1–20 years), and the time-horizon considered (10 years and 20 years). In addition, we calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for the use of 4CMenB using assumed vaccine prices. Findings VbE has little impact on gonorrhoea diagnoses, with only 1·7% of MSM vaccinated per year. VoA has the largest impact but requires more vaccine doses than any other strategy, whereas VoD has a moderate impact but requires many fewer doses than VoA. VaR has almost the same impact as VoA but with fewer doses administered than VoA. VaR is the most cost-effective strategy for vaccines of moderate efficacy or duration of protection (or both), although VoD is more cost-effective for very protective and long-lasting vaccines. Even under conservative assumptions (efficacy equivalent to that of MeNZB and protection lasting for 18 months after two-dose primary vaccination and 36 months after single-dose booster vaccination), 4CMenB administered under VaR would likely be cost-saving at its current National Health Service price, averting an estimated mean 110 200 cases (95% credible interval 36 500–223 600), gaining a mean 100·3 QALYs (31·0–215·8), and saving a mean £7·9 million (0·0–20·5) over 10 years. A hypothetical gonorrhoea vaccine's value is increased more by improving its efficacy than its duration of protection—eg, 30% protection lasting 2 years has a median value of £48 (22–85) per dose over 10 years; doubling efficacy increases the value to £102 (53–144) whereas doubling the duration of protection increases it to £72 (34–120). Interpretation We recommend that vaccination of MSM against gonorrhoea according to risk in sexual health clinics in England with the 4CMenB vaccine be considered. Development of gonorrhoea-specific vaccines should prioritise maximising efficacy over duration of protection. Funding Medical Research Council (UK), National Institute for Health Research (UK).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilith K Whittles
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Modelling and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Xavier Didelot
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK; Department of Statistics, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Genomics and Enabling Data, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Peter J White
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Modelling and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK.
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Facilitators and barriers for clinical implementation of a 30-minute point-of-care test for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis into clinical care: A qualitative study within sexual health services in England. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265173. [PMID: 35271658 PMCID: PMC8912210 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Point-of-care tests (POCTs) to diagnose sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have potential to positively impact patient management and patient perceptions of clinical services. Yet there remains a disconnect between development of new technologies and their implementation into clinical care. With the advent of new STI POCTs arriving to the global market, guidance for their successful adoption and implementation into clinical services is urgently needed. We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with professionals prior to and post-implementation of a Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhoeae POCT into clinical services in England to define key stakeholder roles and explore the process of POCT integration. Participants self-identified themselves as key stakeholders in the STI POCT adoption and/or implementation processes. Data consisted of interview transcripts, which were analysed thematically using NVIVO 11. Six sexual health services were included in the study; three of which have implemented POCTs. We conducted 40 total interviews: 31 prior to POCT implementation and 9 follow-up post-implementation. Post-implementation data showed that implementation plans required little or no change during service evaluation. Lead clinicians and managers self-identified as key stakeholders for the decision to purchase, while nurses self-identified as “change champions” for implementation. Many identified senior clinical staff as those most likely to introduce and drive change. However, participants stressed the importance of engaging all clinical staff in implementation. While the accuracy of the POCT, its positive impact on patient management and the ease of its integration within existing pathways were considered essential, costs of purchasing and utilising the technology were identified as central to the decision to purchase. Our study shows that key decision-makers for adoption and implementation require STI POCTs to have laboratory-comparable accuracy and be affordable for purchase and ongoing use. Further, successful integration of POCTs into sexual health services relies on supportive interpersonal relationships between all levels of staff.
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Huntington S, Weston G, Adams E. Assessing the clinical impact and resource use of a 30-minute chlamydia and gonorrhoea point-of-care test at three sexual health services. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2021; 8:20499361211061645. [PMID: 34881023 PMCID: PMC8647227 DOI: 10.1177/20499361211061645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To assess clinical metrics and resource use of a 30-minute point-of-care test (POCT) for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) compared to laboratory-based testing. Methods Three English sexual health services (SHSs) were recruited as part of a study. Existing processes for CT/NG testing and treatment were assessed, and adaptions to incorporate the CT/NG POCT were developed during semi-structured interviews. Staff time and consumables data were collected by clinic staff prior to and following introduction of the POCT. Results SHSs selected patient groups for whom the CT/NG POCT would be used. Testing and treatment process data were collected for 225 patients (n = 118 POC; n = 107 standard). The percentage of patients receiving unnecessary CT treatment was 5% (5/95) and 13% (12/93) for POC and standard care respectively. The average CT/NG pathway cost varied and was on average £61.55 for POC and £50.88 for standard care. For the two SHSs where the POCT was used during a patient's visit, for standard and POC respectively, the average time to CT treatment was 10.0 and 0.0 days and to NG treatment, 0.3 and 0.0 days. Conclusion Use of a 30-minute POCT at three SHSs yielded clinical benefits by reducing time to treatment and unnecessary CT treatment.
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Fuller SS, Clarke E, Harding-Esch EM. Molecular chlamydia and gonorrhoea point of care tests implemented into routine practice: Systematic review and value proposition development. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259593. [PMID: 34748579 PMCID: PMC8575247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually Transmitted Infections, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), continue to be a global health problem. Increased access to point-of-care-tests (POCTs) could help detect infection and lead to appropriate management of cases and contacts, reducing transmission and development of reproductive health sequelae. Yet diagnostics with good clinical effectiveness evidence can fail to be implemented into routine care. Here we assess values beyond clinical effectiveness for molecular CT/NG POCTs implemented across diverse routine practice settings. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed primary research and conference abstract publications in Medline and Embase reporting on molecular CT/NG POCT implementation in routine clinical practice until 16th February 2021. Results were extracted into EndNote software and initially screened by title and abstract by one author according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles that met the criteria, or were unclear, were included for full-text assessment by all authors. Results were synthesised to assess the tests against guidance criteria and develop a CT/NG POCT value proposition for multiple stakeholders and settings. FINDINGS The systematic review search returned 440 articles; 28 were included overall. The Cepheid CT/NG GeneXpert was the only molecular CT/NG POCT implemented and evaluated in routine practice. It did not fulfil all test guidance criteria, however, studies of test implementation showed multiple values for test use across various healthcare settings and locations. Our value proposition highlights that the majority of values are setting-specific. Sexual health services and outreach services have the least overlap, with General Practice and other non-sexual health specialist services serving as a "bridge" between the two. CONCLUSIONS Those wishing to improve CT/NG diagnosis should be supported to identify the values most relevant to their settings and context, and prioritise implementation of tests that are most closely aligned with those values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian S. Fuller
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Health Systems Collaborative, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Clarke
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma M. Harding-Esch
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Lorenc A, Brangan E, Kesten JM, Horner PJ, Clarke M, Crofts M, Steer J, Turner J, Muir P, Horwood J. What can be learnt from a qualitative evaluation of implementing a rapid sexual health testing, diagnosis and treatment service? BMJ Open 2021; 11:e050109. [PMID: 34686552 PMCID: PMC8543645 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate experiences of implementing a new rapid sexual health testing, diagnosis and treatment service. DESIGN A theory-based qualitative evaluation with a focused ethnographic approach using non-participant observations and interviews with patient and clinic staff. Normalisation process theory was used to structure interview questions and thematic analysis. SETTING A sexual health centre in Bristol, UK. PARTICIPANTS 26 patients and 21 staff involved in the rapid sexually transmitted infection (STI) service were interviewed. Purposive sampling was aimed for a range of views and experiences and sociodemographics and STI results for patients, job grades and roles for staff. 40 hours of observations were conducted. RESULTS Implementation of the new service required co-ordinated changes in practice across multiple staff teams. Patients also needed to make changes to how they accessed the service. Multiple small 'pilots' of process changes were necessary to find workable options. For example, the service was introduced in phases beginning with male patients. This responsive operating mode created challenges for delivering comprehensive training and communication in advance to all staff. However, staff worked together to adjust and improve the new service, and morale was buoyed through observing positive impacts on patient care. Patients valued faster results and avoiding unnecessary treatment. Patients reported that they were willing to drop-off self-samples and return for a follow-up appointment, enabling infection-specific treatment in accordance with test results, thus improving antimicrobial stewardship. CONCLUSIONS The new service was acceptable to staff and patients. Implementation of service changes to improve access and delivery of care in the context of stretched resources can pose challenges for staff at all levels. Early evaluation of pilots of process changes played an important role in the success of the service by rapidly feeding back issues for adjustment. Visibility to staff of positive impacts on patient care is important in maintaining morale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Lorenc
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research, Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Emer Brangan
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Joanna M Kesten
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research, Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Paddy J Horner
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Unity Sexual Health, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Michael Clarke
- Unity Sexual Health, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Megan Crofts
- Unity Sexual Health, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Jonathan Steer
- South West Regional Laboratory, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Bristol, UK
| | - Jonathan Turner
- South West Regional Laboratory, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Muir
- South West Regional Laboratory, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Bristol, UK
| | - Jeremy Horwood
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research, Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Findlater L, Mohammed H, Gobin M, Fifer H, Ross J, Geffen Obregon O, Turner KME. Developing a model to predict individualised treatment for gonorrhoea: a modelling study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042893. [PMID: 34172543 PMCID: PMC8237724 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a tool predicting individualised treatment for gonorrhoea, enabling treatment with previously recommended antibiotics, to reduce use of last-line treatment ceftriaxone. DESIGN A modelling study. SETTING England and Wales. PARTICIPANTS Individuals accessing sentinel health services. INTERVENTION Developing an Excel model which uses participants' demographic, behavioural and clinical characteristics to predict susceptibility to legacy antibiotics. Model parameters were calculated using data for 2015-2017 from the Gonococcal Resistance to Antimicrobials Surveillance Programme. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Estimated number of doses of ceftriaxone saved, and number of people delayed effective treatment, by model use in clinical practice. Model outputs are the predicted risk of resistance to ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, penicillin and cefixime, in groups of individuals with different combinations of characteristics (gender, sexual orientation, number of recent sexual partners, age, ethnicity), and a treatment recommendation. RESULTS Between 2015 and 2017, 8013 isolates were collected: 64% from men who have sex with men, 18% from heterosexual men and 18% from women. Across participant subgroups, stratified by all predictors, resistance prevalence was high for ciprofloxacin (range: 11%-51%) and penicillin (range: 6%-33%). Resistance prevalence for azithromycin and cefixime ranged from 0% to 13% and for ceftriaxone it was 0%. Simulating model use, 88% of individuals could be given cefixime and 10% azithromycin, saving 97% of ceftriaxone doses, with 1% of individuals delayed effective treatment. CONCLUSIONS Using demographic and behavioural characteristics, we could not reliably identify a participant subset in which ciprofloxacin or penicillin would be effective. Cefixime resistance was almost universally low; however, substituting ceftriaxone for near-uniform treatment with cefixime risks re-emergence of resistance to cefixime and ceftriaxone. Several subgroups had low azithromycin resistance, but widespread azithromycin monotherapy risks resistance at population level. However, this dataset had limitations; further exploration of individual characteristics to predict resistance to a wider range of legacy antibiotics may still be appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Findlater
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Maya Gobin
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Bristol, UK
| | - Helen Fifer
- Reference Microbiology, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Ross
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Katy M E Turner
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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9
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Harding-Esch EM, Huntington SE, Harvey MJ, Weston G, Broad CE, Adams EJ, Sadiq ST. Antimicrobial resistance point-of-care testing for gonorrhoea treatment regimens: cost-effectiveness and impact on ceftriaxone use of five hypothetical strategies compared with standard care in England sexual health clinics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 25. [PMID: 33124553 PMCID: PMC7596918 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2020.25.43.1900402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Widespread ceftriaxone antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) treatment, with few alternatives available. AMR point-of-care tests (AMR POCT) may enable alternative treatments, including abandoned regimens, sparing ceftriaxone use. We assessed cost-effectiveness of five hypothetical AMR POCT strategies: A-C included a second antibiotic alongside ceftriaxone; and D and E consisted of a single antibiotic alternative, compared with standard care (SC: ceftriaxone and azithromycin). Aim Assess costs and effectiveness of AMR POCT strategies that optimise NG treatment and reduce ceftriaxone use. Methods The five AMR POCT treatment strategies were compared using a decision tree model simulating 38,870 NG-diagnosed England sexual health clinic (SHC) attendees; A micro-costing approach, representing cost to the SHC (for 2015/16), was employed. Primary outcomes were: total costs; percentage of patients given optimal treatment (regimens curing NG, without AMR); percentage of patients given non-ceftriaxone optimal treatment; cost-effectiveness (cost per optimal treatment gained). Results All strategies cost more than SC. Strategy B (azithromycin and ciprofloxacin (azithromycin preferred); dual therapy) avoided most suboptimal treatments (n = 48) but cost most to implement (GBP 4,093,844 (EUR 5,474,656)). Strategy D (azithromycin AMR POCT; monotherapy) was most cost-effective for both cost per optimal treatments gained (GBP 414.67 (EUR 554.53)) and per ceftriaxone-sparing treatment (GBP 11.29 (EUR 15.09)) but with treatment failures (n = 34) and suboptimal treatments (n = 706). Conclusions AMR POCT may enable improved antibiotic stewardship, but require net health system investment. A small reduction in test cost would enable monotherapy AMR POCT strategies to be cost-saving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Harding-Esch
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.,Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Claire E Broad
- Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - S Tariq Sadiq
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.,National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.,Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
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10
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Mohiuddin S, Gardiner R, Crofts M, Muir P, Steer J, Turner J, Wheeler H, Hollingworth W, Horner PJ. Modelling patient flows and resource use within a sexual health clinic through discrete event simulation to inform service redesign. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e037084. [PMID: 32641336 PMCID: PMC7348479 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Continuous improvement in the delivery of health services is increasingly being demanded in the UK at a time when budgets are being cut. Simulation is one approach used for understanding and assessing the likely impact of changes to the delivery of health services. However, little is known about the usefulness of simulation for analysing the delivery of sexual health services (SHSs). We propose a simulation method to model and evaluate patient flows and resource use within an SHS to inform service redesign. METHODS We developed a discrete event simulation (DES) model to identify the bottlenecks within the Unity SHS (Bristol, UK) and find possible routes for service improvement. Using the example of the introduction of an online service for sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV self-sampling for asymptomatic patients, the impact on patient waiting times was examined as the main outcome measure. The model included data such as patient arrival time, staff availability and duration of consultation, examination and treatment. We performed several sensitivity analyses to assess uncertainty in the model parameters. RESULTS We identified some bottlenecks under the current system, particularly in the consultation and treatment queues for male and female walk-in patients. Introducing the provision of STI and HIV self-sampling alongside existing services decreased the average waiting time (88 vs 128 min) for all patients and reduced the cost of staff time for managing each patient (£72.64 vs £88.74) compared with the current system without online-based self-sampling. CONCLUSIONS The provision of online-based STI and HIV self-sampling for asymptomatic patients could be beneficial in reducing patient waiting times and the model highlights the complexities of using this to cut costs. Attributing recognition for any improvement requires care, but DES modelling can provide valuable insights into the design of SHSs ensuing in quantifiable improvements. Extension of this method with the collection of additional data and the construction of more informed models seems worthwhile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Mohiuddin
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- NIHR CLAHRC West, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Rebecca Gardiner
- Unity Sexual Health Clinic, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Megan Crofts
- Unity Sexual Health Clinic, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Muir
- South West Regional Public Health Laboratory, Public Health England, Bristol, UK
| | - Jonathan Steer
- South West Regional Public Health Laboratory, Public Health England, Bristol, UK
| | - Jonathan Turner
- South West Regional Public Health Laboratory, Public Health England, Bristol, UK
| | - Helen Wheeler
- Unity Sexual Health Clinic, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - William Hollingworth
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- NIHR CLAHRC West, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Paddy J Horner
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Unity Sexual Health Clinic, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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11
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Point-of-care (POC) tests for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) are urgently needed to control the gonorrhea epidemic, so patients can receive immediate diagnoses and treatment. While the advent of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) has improved the accuracy of Ng identification, very few POC assays are able to provide results of such tests at the clinical visit. Additionally, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a unique treatment challenge for Ng. AREAS COVERED This review notes that older POC tests have lower sensitivity for Ng, compared to the currently-available NAATs, and are not adequate for the current demand for high sensitivity. Promising newer assays, which can be used at the POC are covered. This review also includes data about clinicians' and patients' acceptability and expectations of POC tests for Ng, testing of extragenital specimens, pooling studies, as well as their impact clinically, and use in low-resource settings. EXPERT OPINION The ability to use POC tests to identify and immediately treat Ng infections at the patient encounter offers many benefits and opportunities. POC tests for Ng are currently available, but not widely used especially in low-resource settings. Further development of POC tests with AMR testing capacity is needed to help guide antimicrobial stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A Gaydos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Johan H Melendez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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12
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Kerry-Barnard S, Huntington S, Fleming C, Reid F, Sadiq ST, Drennan VM, Adams E, Oakeshott P. Near patient chlamydia and gonorrhoea screening and treatment in further education/technical colleges: a cost analysis of the 'Test n Treat' feasibility trial. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:316. [PMID: 32299437 PMCID: PMC7160983 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-5062-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-based screening may be one solution to increase testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections in sexually active teenagers, but there are few data on the practicalities and cost of running such a service. We estimate the cost of running a 'Test n Treat' service providing rapid chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhoea (NG) testing and same day on-site CT treatment in technical colleges. METHODS Process data from a 2016/17 cluster randomised feasibility trial were used to estimate total costs and service uptake. Pathway mapping was used to model different uptake scenarios. Participants, from six London colleges, provided self-taken genitourinary samples in the nearest toilet. Included in the study were 509 sexually active students (mean 85/college): median age 17.9 years, 49% male, 50% black ethnicity, with a baseline CT and NG prevalence of 6 and 0.5%, respectively. All participants received information about CT and NG infections at recruitment. When the Test n Treat team visited, participants were texted/emailed invitations to attend for confidential testing. Three colleges were randomly allocated the intervention, to host (non-incentivised) Test n Treat one and four months after baseline. All six colleges hosted follow-up Test n Treat seven months after baseline when students received a £10 incentive (to participate). RESULTS The mean non-incentivised daily uptake per college was 5 students (range 1 to 17), which cost £237 (range £1082 to £88) per student screened, and £4657 (range £21,281 to £1723) per CT infection detected, or £13,970 (range £63,842 to £5169) per NG infection detected. The mean incentivised daily uptake was 19 students which cost £91 per student screened, and £1408/CT infection or £7042/NG infection detected. If daily capacity for screening were achieved (49 students/day), costs including incentives would be £47 per person screened and £925/CT infection or £2774/NG infection detected. CONCLUSIONS Delivering non-incentivised Test n Treat in technical colleges is more expensive per person screened than CT and NG screening in clinics. Targeting areas with high infection rates, combined with high, incentivised uptake could make costs comparable. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN58038795, Assigned August 2016, registered prospectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kerry-Barnard
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, SW17 ORE, UK
| | - Susie Huntington
- Aquarius Population Health Limited, Unit 29, Tileyard Studios, Tileyard Rd, London, N7 9AH, UK.
| | - Charlotte Fleming
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, SW17 ORE, UK
| | - Fiona Reid
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - S Tariq Sadiq
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, SW17 ORE, UK
| | - Vari M Drennan
- Centre for Health and Social Care Research, Kingston University and St George's University of London, London, SW17 ORE, UK
| | - Elisabeth Adams
- Aquarius Population Health Limited, Unit 29, Tileyard Studios, Tileyard Rd, London, N7 9AH, UK
| | - Pippa Oakeshott
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, SW17 ORE, UK
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13
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Taylor-Robinson D, Horner P, Pallecaros A. Diagnosis of some genital-tract infections: part 2. Molecular tests and the new challenges. Int J STD AIDS 2020; 31:198-207. [PMID: 32009570 DOI: 10.1177/0956462419890526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Promptly and accurately diagnosing genital-tract infections is key to instituting appropriate treatment and control of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Ano-genital tract testing for STIs in the last two decades has not entirely moved away from insensitive methods but it is now at least dominated by highly sensitive molecular methods. These tests can be ordered through the internet for use at home, with self-taken specimens then returned, usually by post, to a clinic or laboratory for testing. The increasing ease of access of the public to this situation, together with increasing on-line health-seeking behaviour, has resulted in a gap between commercial and NHS management pathways for STIs. Crucially, patients who order multiplex test kits on-line for use at home, and other non-specialists, may not realize that it is worthwhile testing only for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and possibly Trichomonas vaginalis, and Mycoplasma genitalium if the person is symptomatic or their current partner is infected. The detection and recommended treatment of micro-organisms which to some extent are part of the genital-tract microbiome, such as Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma spp. or Gardnerella vaginalis, which do not cause symptoms in the majority of those infected, cannot be recommended. We argue that a shift from specialist-led to patient- and non-specialist-led STI management, in the presence of a clinical leadership vacuum, has increased the risk of inappropriate and unnecessary treatment which will drive macrolide, tetracycline and metronidazole antimicrobial resistance. However, in the past 5–6 years several groups have been able to show the value of on-line testing as a consequence of targeting the most important micro-organisms and using molecular tests to allow rapid and appropriately informed treatment. This should herald a brighter future, although there is still a need for leadership to expertly guide commercial and NHS sectors alike. In turn, this requires dedicated genito-urinary medicine commissioning to be maintained at a time when it appears to be most under threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Taylor-Robinson
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Wright-Fleming Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Patrick Horner
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Evaluation of Interventions in partnership with Public Health England, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Unity Sexual Health, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Anna Pallecaros
- Department of Genito-urinary Medicine, Princess Grace Hospital, London, UK
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14
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Bell SFE, Coffey L, Debattista J, Badman SG, Redmond AM, Whiley DM, Lemoire J, Williams OD, Howard C, Gilks CF, Dean JA. Peer-delivered point-of-care testing for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae within an urban community setting: a cross-sectional analysis. Sex Health 2020; 17:359-367. [PMID: 32731917 DOI: 10.1071/sh19233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background The advent of fully automated nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) technology brings new public health opportunities to provide Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) point-of-care testing (POCT) in non-traditional settings. METHODS This pilot study evaluated the integration of the CT/NG Xpert diagnostic assay into an urban peer-led community setting providing HIV and syphilis POCT. A comprehensive protocol of testing, result notification, referral and follow up, managed by peer test facilitators, was undertaken. RESULTS Over 67 weeks, there were 4523 occasions of CT/NG testing using urine, oropharyngeal and anorectal samples with 25.7% (803) of the 3123 unique participants returning for repeat testing. The prevalence of CT and NG was 9.5% and 5.4% respectively. Where CT and or NG infection was detected, 98.4% (604/614) of participants were successfully notified of detected infection and referred for treatment. Evaluation Survey responses (11.4%, 516/4523) indicated a substantial proportion of respondents (27.1%, 140/516) 'would not have tested anywhere else'. Of note, 17.8% (92/516) of participants reported no previous CT/NG test and an additional 17.8% (92/516) reported testing more than 12 months ago. A total of 95.9% (495/516) of participants 'Strongly agreed' or 'Agreed' to being satisfied with the service. CONCLUSION The project successfully demonstrated an acceptable and feasible model for a peer-delivered community-led service to provide targeted molecular CT/NG POCT. This model offers capacity to move beyond the traditional pathology and STI testing services and establish community-led models that build trust and increase testing rates for key populations of epidemiological significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara F E Bell
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston Campus, 288 Herston Road, Herston, Qld 4006, Australia
| | - Luke Coffey
- RAPID, Queensland Positive People, 21 Manilla Street, East Brisbane, Qld 4169, Australia
| | - Joseph Debattista
- Metro North Public Health Unit, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Bryden Street, Windsor, Qld 4030, Australia
| | - Steven G Badman
- Kirby Institute, L6, Wallace Wurth Building, High Street, The University of New South Wales Sydney, Randwick, NSW 2032, Australia
| | - Andrew M Redmond
- RAPID, Queensland Positive People, 21 Manilla Street, East Brisbane, Qld 4169, Australia; and Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield St, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia
| | - David M Whiley
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Building 71/918, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia; and Pathology Queensland, Block 7, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia
| | - Jime Lemoire
- RAPID, Queensland Positive People, 21 Manilla Street, East Brisbane, Qld 4169, Australia
| | - Owain D Williams
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston Campus, 288 Herston Road, Herston, Qld 4006, Australia
| | - Chris Howard
- RAPID, Queensland Positive People, 21 Manilla Street, East Brisbane, Qld 4169, Australia
| | - Charles F Gilks
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston Campus, 288 Herston Road, Herston, Qld 4006, Australia
| | - Judith A Dean
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston Campus, 288 Herston Road, Herston, Qld 4006, Australia; and Corresponding author.
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15
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Zienkiewicz AK, Verschueren van Rees N, Homer M, Ong JJ, Christensen H, Hill D, Looker KJ, Horner P, Hughes G, Turner KME. Agent-based modelling study of antimicrobial-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae transmission in men who have sex with men: towards individualised diagnosis and treatment. Sex Health 2019; 16:514-522. [PMID: 31476277 DOI: 10.1071/sh18235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) gonorrhoea is a global public health threat. Discriminatory point-of-care tests (POCT) to detect drug sensitivity are under development, enabling individualised resistance-guided therapy. METHODS An individual-based dynamic transmission model of gonorrhoea infection in MSM living in London has been developed, incorporating ciprofloxacin-sensitive and resistant strains. The time-dependent sexual contact network is captured by periodically restructuring active connections to reflect the transience of contacts. Different strategies to improve treatment selection were explored, including discriminatory POCT and selecting partner treatment based on either the index case or partner susceptibility. Outcomes included population prevalence of gonorrhoea and drug dose counts. RESULTS It is shown that using POCT to detect ciprofloxacin-sensitive infections could result in a large decrease in ceftriaxone doses (by 70% compared with the reference case in the simulations of this study). It also suggests that ceftriaxone use can be reduced with existing technologies, albeit to a lesser degree; either using index case sensitivity profiles to direct treatment of partners, or testing notified partners with strain discriminatory laboratory tests before treatment, reduced ceftriaxone use in our model (by 27% and 47% respectively). CONCLUSIONS POCT to detect ciprofloxacin-sensitive gonorrhoea are likely to dramatically reduce reliance on ceftriaxone, but requires the implementation of new technology. In the meantime, the proportion of unnecessary ceftriaxone treatment by testing partners before treatment could be reduced significantly. Alternatively, index case sensitivity profiles could be used to select effective treatments for partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam K Zienkiewicz
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UB, UK; and School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
| | - Nicolás Verschueren van Rees
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UB, UK; and School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
| | - Martin Homer
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UB, UK
| | - Jason J Ong
- Clinical Research and Development, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3800, Australia; and Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Hannah Christensen
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Darryl Hill
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Katharine J Looker
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Paddy Horner
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Gwenda Hughes
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenuenida Dr Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, 470, CEP 05403-000, São Paulo, Brasil; and Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division, National Infection Service, Public Health England, NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Katy M E Turner
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK; and Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK; and Corresponding author.
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16
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Fuller SS, Pacho A, Broad CE, Nori AV, Harding-Esch EM, Sadiq ST. "It's not a time spent issue, it's a 'what have you spent your time doing?' issue…" A qualitative study of UK patient opinions and expectations for implementation of Point of Care Tests for sexually transmitted infections and antimicrobial resistance. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215380. [PMID: 30990864 PMCID: PMC6467401 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to be a major public health concern in the United Kingdom (UK). Epidemiological models have shown that narrowing the time between STI diagnosis and treatment may reduce the population burden of infection, and rapid, accurate point-of-care tests (POCTs) have potential for increasing correct treatment and mitigating the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We developed the Precise social science programme to incorporate clinician and patient opinions on potential designs and implementation of new POCTs for multiple STIs and AMR detection. We conducted qualitative research, consisting of informal interviews with clinicians and semi-structured in-depth interviews with patients, in six sexual health clinics in the UK. Interviews with clinicians focused on how the new POCTs would likely be implemented into clinical care; these new clinical pathways were then posed to patients in in-depth interviews. Patient interviews showed acceptability of POCTs, however, willingness to wait in clinic for test results depended on the context of patients' sexual healthcare seeking. Patients reporting frequent healthcare visits often based their expectations and opinions of services and POCTs on previous visits. Patients' suggestions for implementation of POCTs included provision of information on service changes and targeting tests to patients concerned they are infected. Our data suggests that patients may accept new POCT pathways if they are given information on these changes prior to attending services and to consider implementing POCTs among patients who are anxious about their infection status and/or who are experiencing symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian S. Fuller
- St George’s University of London, Institute for Infection and Immunity, Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, London, United Kingdom
| | - Agata Pacho
- St George’s University of London, Institute for Infection and Immunity, Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire E. Broad
- St George’s University of London, Institute for Infection and Immunity, Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, London, United Kingdom
| | - Achyuta V. Nori
- St George’s University of London, Institute for Infection and Immunity, Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma M. Harding-Esch
- St George’s University of London, Institute for Infection and Immunity, Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, London, United Kingdom
| | - Syed Tariq Sadiq
- St George’s University of London, Institute for Infection and Immunity, Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, London, United Kingdom
- St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Harding-Esch EM, Fuller SS, Chow SLC, Nori AV, Harrison MA, Parker M, Piepenburg O, Forrest MS, Brooks DG, Patel R, Hay PE, Fearnley N, Pond MJ, Dunbar JK, Butcher PD, Planche T, Lowndes CM, Sadiq ST. Diagnostic accuracy of a prototype rapid chlamydia and gonorrhoea recombinase polymerase amplification assay: a multicentre cross-sectional preclinical evaluation. Clin Microbiol Infect 2019; 25:380.e1-380.e7. [PMID: 29906594 PMCID: PMC6420679 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Rapid and accurate sexually transmitted infection diagnosis can reduce onward transmission and improve treatment efficacy. We evaluated the accuracy of a 15-minute run-time recombinase polymerase amplification-based prototype point-of-care test (TwistDx) for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG). METHODS Prospective, multicentre study of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients attending three English sexual health clinics. Research samples provided were additional self-collected vulvovaginal swab (SCVS) (female participants) and first-catch urine (FCU) aliquot (female and male participants). Samples were processed blind to the comparator (routine clinic CT/NG nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)) results. Discrepancies were resolved using Cepheid CT/NG GeneXpert. RESULTS Both recombinase polymerase amplification and routine clinic NAAT results were available for 392 male and 395 female participants. CT positivity was 8.9% (35/392) (male FCU), 7.3% (29/395) (female FCU) and 7.1% (28/395) (SCVS). Corresponding NG positivity was 3.1% (12/392), 0.8% (3/395) and 0.8% (3/395). Specificity and positive predictive values were 100% for all sample types and both organisms, except male CT FCU (99.7% specificity (95% confidence interval (CI) 98.4-100.0; 356/357), 97.1% positive predictive value (95% CI 84.7-99.9; 33/34)). For CT, sensitivity was ≥94.3% for FCU and SCVS. CT sensitivity for female FCU was higher (100%; 95% CI, 88.1-100; 29/29) than for SCVS (96.4%; 95% CI, 81.7-99.9; 27/28). NG sensitivity and negative predictive values were 100% in FCU (male and female). CONCLUSIONS This prototype test has excellent performance characteristics, comparable to currently used NAATs, and fulfils several World Health Organization ASSURED criteria. Its rapidity without loss of performance suggests that once further developed and commercialized, this test could positively affect clinical practice and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Harding-Esch
- Applied Diagnostic Research & Evaluation Unit (ADREU), Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK; HIV/STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - S S Fuller
- Applied Diagnostic Research & Evaluation Unit (ADREU), Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK; HIV/STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - S-L C Chow
- Applied Diagnostic Research & Evaluation Unit (ADREU), Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - A V Nori
- Applied Diagnostic Research & Evaluation Unit (ADREU), Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK; HIV/STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK; St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - M A Harrison
- Applied Diagnostic Research & Evaluation Unit (ADREU), Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - R Patel
- Department of Sexual Health, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - P E Hay
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - N Fearnley
- Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - M J Pond
- Applied Diagnostic Research & Evaluation Unit (ADREU), Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - J K Dunbar
- HIV/STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - P D Butcher
- Applied Diagnostic Research & Evaluation Unit (ADREU), Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - T Planche
- Applied Diagnostic Research & Evaluation Unit (ADREU), Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK; St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - C M Lowndes
- Applied Diagnostic Research & Evaluation Unit (ADREU), Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK; HIV/STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - S T Sadiq
- Applied Diagnostic Research & Evaluation Unit (ADREU), Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK; HIV/STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK; St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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Huntington SE, Burns RM, Harding-Esch E, Harvey MJ, Hill-Tout R, Fuller SS, Adams EJ, Sadiq ST. Modelling-based evaluation of the costs, benefits and cost-effectiveness of multipathogen point-of-care tests for sexually transmitted infections in symptomatic genitourinary medicine clinic attendees. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e020394. [PMID: 30201794 PMCID: PMC6144481 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To quantify the costs, benefits and cost-effectiveness of three multipathogen point-of-care (POC) testing strategies for detecting common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) compared with standard laboratory testing. DESIGN Modelling study. SETTING Genitourinary medicine (GUM) services in England. POPULATION A hypothetical cohort of 965 988 people, representing the annual number attending GUM services symptomatic of lower genitourinary tract infection. INTERVENTIONS The decision tree model considered costs and reimbursement to GUM services associated with diagnosing and managing STIs. Three strategies using hypothetical point-of-care tests (POCTs) were compared with standard care (SC) using laboratory-based testing. The strategies were: A) dual POCT for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG); B) triplex POCT for CT-NG and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG); C) quadruplex POCT for CT-NG-MG and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). Data came from published literature and unpublished estimates. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcomes were total costs and benefits (quality-adjusted life years (QALYs)) for each strategy (2016 GB, £) and associated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) between each of the POC strategies and SC. Secondary outcomes were inappropriate treatment of STIs, onward STI transmission, pelvic inflammatory disease in women, time to cure and total attendances. RESULTS In the base-case analysis, POC strategy C, a quadruplex POCT, was the most cost-effective relative to the other strategies, with an ICER of £36 585 per QALY gained compared with SC when using microcosting, and cost-savings of £26 451 382 when using tariff costing. POC strategy C also generated the most benefits, with 240 467 fewer clinic attendances, 808 fewer onward STI transmissions and 235 135 averted inappropriate treatments compared with SC. CONCLUSIONS Many benefits can be achieved by using multipathogen POCTs to improve STI diagnosis and management. Further evidence is needed on the underlying prevalence of STIs and SC delivery in the UK to reduce uncertainty in economic analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richéal M Burns
- Aquarius Population Health, 58a Highgate High Street, London, UK
- Health Economics and Policy Analysis Centre (HEPAC), NUI Galway, Ireland
| | - Emma Harding-Esch
- HIV/STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, UK
- St George's Institute for Infection and Immunity, Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
| | - Michael J Harvey
- Aquarius Population Health, 58a Highgate High Street, London, UK
| | - Rachel Hill-Tout
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackshaw Road, Tooting, London, UK
| | - Sebastian S Fuller
- St George's Institute for Infection and Immunity, Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
| | | | - S Tariq Sadiq
- HIV/STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, UK
- St George's Institute for Infection and Immunity, Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackshaw Road, Tooting, London, UK
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Kerry-Barnard S, Fleming C, Reid F, Phillips R, Drennan VM, Adams EJ, Majewska W, Balendra A, Harding-Esch E, Cousins E, Tariq Sadiq S, Oakeshott P. 'Test n Treat (TnT)'- Rapid testing and same-day, on-site treatment to reduce rates of chlamydia in sexually active further education college students: study protocol for a cluster randomised feasibility trial. Trials 2018; 19:311. [PMID: 29871673 PMCID: PMC5989383 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2674-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually active young people attending London further education (FE) colleges have high rates of chlamydia, but screening rates are low. We will conduct a cluster randomised feasibility trial of frequent, rapid, on-site chlamydia testing and same-day treatment (Test and Treat (TnT)) in six FE colleges (with parallel qualitative and economic assessments) to assess the feasibility of conducting a future trial to investigate if TnT reduces chlamydia rates. METHODS We will recruit 80 sexually active students aged 16-24 years from public areas at each of six colleges. All participants (total n = 480) will be asked to provide samples (urine for males, self-taken vaginal swabs for females) and complete questionnaires on sexual lifestyle and healthcare use at baseline and after 7 months. Participants will be informed that baseline samples will not be tested for 7 months and be advised to get screened separately. Colleges will be randomly allocated to the intervention (TnT) or the control group (no TnT). One and 4 months after recruitment, participants at each intervention college (n = 3) will be texted and invited for on-site chlamydia tests using the 90-min Cepheid GeneXpert system. Students with positive results will be asked to see a visiting nurse health adviser for same-day treatment and partner notification, (backed by genitourinary medicine follow-up). Participants in control colleges (n = 3) will receive 'thank you' texts 1 and 4 months after recruitment. Seven months after recruitment, participants from both groups will be invited to complete questionnaires and provide samples for TnT. All samples will be tested, and same-day treatment offered to students with positive results. Acceptability of TnT will be assessed by qualitative interviews of purposively sampled students (n = 30) and college staff (n = 12). We will collect data on costs of TnT and usual healthcare. DISCUSSION Findings will provide key values to inform feasibility, sample size and timescales of a future definitive trial of TnT in FE colleges, including: Recruitment rates TnT uptake rates Follow-up rates Prevalence of chlamydia in participants at baseline and 7 months Acceptability of TnT to students and college staff Estimate of the cost per person screened/treated in TnT versus usual care TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Registry, ID: ISRCTN58038795 , Registered on 31 August 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kerry-Barnard
- Population Health Research Institute, St George’s, University of London, London, SW17ORE UK
| | - Charlotte Fleming
- Population Health Research Institute, St George’s, University of London, London, SW17ORE UK
| | - Fiona Reid
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health Sciences, King’s College London, 4th Floor, Addison House, Guy’s Campus, London, SE1 1UL UK
| | - Rachel Phillips
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health Sciences, King’s College London, 4th Floor, Addison House, Guy’s Campus, London, SE1 1UL UK
| | - Vari M. Drennan
- Centre for Health and Social Care Research, Kingston University and St George’s University of London, London, SW17ORE UK
| | - Elisabeth J. Adams
- Aquarius Population Health Limited, 58a Highgate High Street, London, N6 5HX UK
| | - Wendy Majewska
- WEM Consultancy Ltd., 96 Tantallon Road, London, SW12 8DH UK
| | - Anjella Balendra
- Population Health Research Institute, St George’s, University of London, London, SW17ORE UK
| | - Emma Harding-Esch
- Infection and Immunity, St George’s, University of London, London, SW17ORE UK
| | - Emma Cousins
- Infection and Immunity, St George’s, University of London, London, SW17ORE UK
| | - S. Tariq Sadiq
- Infection and Immunity, St George’s, University of London, London, SW17ORE UK
| | - Pippa Oakeshott
- Population Health Research Institute, St George’s, University of London, London, SW17ORE UK
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20
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Phillips R, Oakeshott P, Kerry-Barnard S, Reid F. 'Test n Treat (TnT)': a cluster-randomised feasibility trial of frequent, rapid-testing and same-day, on-site treatment to reduce rates of chlamydia in high-risk further education college students: statistical analysis plan. Trials 2018; 19:312. [PMID: 29871668 PMCID: PMC5989377 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2675-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in ethnically diverse, sexually active students aged 16-24 years attending London further education (FE) colleges. However, uptake of chlamydia screening remains low. The TnT study aims to assess the feasibility of conducting a future trial in FE colleges to investigate if frequent, rapid, on-site testing and treatment (TnT) reduces chlamydia rates. This article presents the statistical analysis plan for the main study publication as approved and signed off by the Trial Management Group prior to the first data extraction for the final report. METHODS/DESIGN TnT is a cluster-randomised feasibility trial conducted over 7 months with parallel qualitative and economic assessments. Colleges will be randomly allocated into the intervention (TnT) or the control group (no TnT). Six FE colleges in London will be included. At each college for 2 days, 80 consecutive sexually active students aged 16-24 years (total 480 students across all six colleges) will be recruited from public areas and asked to provide baseline samples. One and 4 months after recruitment intervention colleges will be visited on two consecutive days by the TnT team where participating students will be texted and invited to come for same-day, on-site, rapid chlamydia testing and, if positive, treatment. Participants in the control colleges will receive 'thank you' texts 1 and 4 months after recruitment. Seven months after recruitment, participants from both groups will be invited to complete questionnaires and provide samples for TnT. All samples will be tested, and same-day treatment offered to participants with positive results. Key feasibility outcomes include: recruitment rates, testing and treatment uptake rates (at 1 and 4 months) and follow-up rates (at 7 months). TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN 58038795 . Registered on 31 August 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Phillips
- School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Pippa Oakeshott
- Population Health Research Institute St George’s, University of London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Kerry-Barnard
- Population Health Research Institute St George’s, University of London, London, UK
| | - Fiona Reid
- School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
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21
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Kelly H, Coltart CEM, Pant Pai N, Klausner JD, Unemo M, Toskin I, Peeling RW. Systematic reviews of point-of-care tests for the diagnosis of urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis infections. Sex Transm Infect 2018; 93:S22-S30. [PMID: 29223960 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2016-053067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND WHO estimates that 131 million new cases of urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections occur globally every year. Most infections are asymptomatic. Untreated infection in women can lead to severe complications. Screening and treatment of at-risk populations is a priority for prevention and control. OBJECTIVES To summarise systematic reviews of the performance characteristics of commercially available point-of-care tests (POCT) for screening and diagnosis of urogenital CT infection. METHODS Two separate systematic reviews covering the periods 2004-2013 and 2010-2015 were conducted on rapid CT POCTs. Studies were included if tests were evaluated against a valid reference standard. RESULTS In the first review, 635 articles were identified, of which 11 were included. Nine studies evaluated the performance of eight antigen detection rapid POCTs on 10 280 patients and two studies evaluated a near-patient nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) on 3518 patients. Pooled sensitivity of antigen detection tests was 53%, 37% and 63% for cervical swabs, vaginal swabs and male urine, and specificity was 99%, 97% and 98%, respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of the near-patient NAAT for all specimen types were >98% and 99.4%, respectively. The second review identified two additional studies on four antigen detection POCTs with sensitivities and specificities of 22.7%-37.7% and 99.4%-100%, respectively. A new two-step 15 min rapid POCT using fluorescent nanoparticles showed performance comparable to that of near-patient NAATs. CONCLUSIONS The systematic reviews showed that antigen detection POCTs for CT, although easy to use, lacked sufficient sensitivity to be recommended as a screening test. A near-patient NAAT shows acceptable performance as a screening or diagnostic test but requires electricity, takes 90 min and is costly. More affordable POCTs are in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Kelly
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Cordelia E M Coltart
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nitika Pant Pai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Department of Global Health, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and other STIs, Örebro University Hospital, Orebro, Sweden
| | - Igor Toskin
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rosanna W Peeling
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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22
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A 30-Min Nucleic Acid Amplification Point-of-Care Test for Genital Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Women: A Prospective, Multi-center Study of Diagnostic Accuracy. EBioMedicine 2018; 28:120-127. [PMID: 29396306 PMCID: PMC5897918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rapid Point-Of-Care Tests for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) may reduce onward transmission and reproductive sexual health (RSH) sequelae by reducing turnaround times between diagnosis and treatment. The io® single module system (Atlas Genetics Ltd.) runs clinical samples through a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)-based CT cartridge, delivering results in 30 min. Methods Prospective diagnostic accuracy study of the io® CT-assay in four UK Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM)/RSH clinics on additional-to-routine self-collected vulvovaginal swabs. Samples were tested “fresh” within 10 days of collection, or “frozen” at − 80 °C for later testing. Participant characteristics were collected to assess risk factors associated with CT infection. Results CT prevalence was 7.2% (51/709) overall. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the io® CT assay were, respectively, 96.1% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 86.5–99.5), 97.7% (95%CI: 96.3–98.7), 76.6% (95%CI: 64.3–86.2) and 99.7% (95%CI: 98.9–100). The only risk factor associated with CT infection was being a sexual contact of an individual with CT. Conclusions The io® CT-assay is a 30-min, fully automated, high-performing NAAT currently CE-marked for CT diagnosis in women, making it a highly promising diagnostic to enable specific treatment, initiation of partner notification and appropriately intensive health promotion at the point of care. The io® CT assay's sensitivity is comparable to that of laboratory-based assays commonly used for Chlamydia detection. The specificity as shown is this study is at the lower end of the range reported for laboratory-based assays. The resulting positive predictive value, in this population, indicates that a targeted testing approach may be optimal.
Until now, there have been no ≤ 30-min point-of-care test (POCT) nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) on the market for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), despite cost-effectiveness analyses demonstrating they may improve Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM)/Reproductive and Sexual Health (RSH) clinical care pathway efficiencies and patient outcomes. Our evaluation of the 30-min Atlas Genetics io® CT NAAT POCT, on vaginal swabs from women attending four GUM/RSH clinics in England, shows that the test's sensitivity (accurately detecting CT-positive infections) is similar to that of laboratory-based NAATs, and its specificity (accurately detecting CT-negative infections) is at the lower end of the laboratory-based NAAT range.
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Whitlock GG, Gibbons DC, Longford N, Harvey MJ, McOwan A, Adams EJ. Rapid testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections improve patient care and yield public health benefits. Int J STD AIDS 2017; 29:474-482. [PMID: 29059032 PMCID: PMC5844454 DOI: 10.1177/0956462417736431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A service evaluation of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) testing and result notification in patients attending a rapid testing service (Dean Street Express [DSE]) compared with those attending an existing 'standard' sexual health clinic (56 Dean Street [56DS]), and modelling the impact of the new service from 1 June 2014 to 31 May 2015. PRIMARY OUTCOME time from patients' sample collection to notification of test results at DSE compared with 56DS. Secondary outcomes estimated using a model: number of transmissions prevented and the number of new partner visits avoided and associated cost savings achieved due to rapid testing at DSE. In 2014/15, there were a total of 81,352 visits for CT/NG testing across 56DS (21,086) and DSE (60,266). Rapid testing resulted in a reduced mean time to notification of 8.68 days: 8.95 days for 56DS (95% CI 8.91-8.99) compared to 0.27 days for DSE (95% CI 0.26-0.28). Our model estimates that rapid testing at DSE would lead to 196 CT and/or NG transmissions prevented (2.5-97.5% centile range = 6-956) and lead to annual savings attributable to reduced numbers of partner attendances of £124,283 (2.5-97.5% centile range = £4260-590,331). DSE, a rapid testing service for asymptomatic infections, delivers faster time to result notification for CT and/or NG which enables faster treatment, reduces infectious periods and leads to fewer transmissions, partner attendances and clinic costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary G Whitlock
- 1 GUM/HIV, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Daniel C Gibbons
- 2 Aquarius Population Health Limited, London, UK.,3 Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nick Longford
- 4 Division of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Alan McOwan
- 1 GUM/HIV, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Elisabeth J Adams
- 2 Aquarius Population Health Limited, London, UK.,5 School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Mensforth S, Thorley N, Radcliffe K. Auditing the use and assessing the clinical utility of microscopy as a point-of-care test for Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a Sexual Health clinic. Int J STD AIDS 2017; 29:157-163. [PMID: 28705094 DOI: 10.1177/0956462417721062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We assessed whether urethral microscopy was performed as per clinic protocol for male clinic attendees reporting contact with Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC), urethral symptoms or given a diagnosis of epididymo-orchitis (EO) over a 12-month period (9732 patients). Prevalence of gonorrhoea in the contacts, urethral symptoms and EO groups was 50, 12.7 and 1.6%, respectively. Microscopy was performed reliably for contacts (96%), those with discharge/dysuria with evidence of urethritis on examination (98%), but not those with EO (43%). We explored the clinical utility of microscopy as a point-of-care test for identifying urethral GC in each subgroup, using the APTIMA Combo 2 CT/GC nucleic acid amplification test as the comparator (1710 patients). Sensitivity of microscopy for each subgroup was good; there was no statistical difference between subgroup sensitivity using Fisher's exact test. Microscopy is valuable to ensure prompt diagnosis and contact tracing. All GC contacts were treated 'epidemiologically'; however, half of GC contacts did not have GC. Microscopy identified the majority of GC cases, including amongst contacts (71% of heterosexual contacts, 66% of contacts reporting sex with men). We propose that epidemiological treatment for GC contacts should be reconsidered on the grounds of antibiotic stewardship, favouring use of microscopy to guide treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Mensforth
- Department of Sexual Health, Whittall Street Clinic, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nicola Thorley
- Department of Sexual Health, Whittall Street Clinic, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Keith Radcliffe
- Department of Sexual Health, Whittall Street Clinic, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Turner KME, Christensen H, Adams EJ, McAdams D, Fifer H, McDonnell A, Woodford N. Analysis of the potential for point-of-care test to enable individualised treatment of infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant and susceptible strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae: a modelling study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e015447. [PMID: 28615273 PMCID: PMC5734280 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To create a mathematical model to investigate the treatment impact and economic implications of introducing an antimicrobial resistance point-of-care test (AMR POCT) for gonorrhoea as a way of extending the life of current last-line treatments. DESIGN Modelling study. SETTING England. POPULATION Patients accessing sexual health services. INTERVENTIONS Incremental impact of introducing a hypothetical AMR POCT that could detect susceptibility to previous first-line antibiotics, for example, ciprofloxacin or penicillin, so that patients are given more tailored treatment, compared with the current situation where all patients are given therapy with ceftriaxone and azithromycin. The hypothetical intervention was assessed using a mathematical model developed in Excel. The model included initial and follow-up attendances, loss to follow-up, use of standard or tailored treatment, time taken to treatment and the costs of testing and treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Number of doses of ceftriaxone saved, mean time to most appropriate treatment, mean number of visits per (infected) patient, number of patients lost to follow-up and total cost of testing. RESULTS In the current situation, an estimated 33 431 ceftriaxone treatments are administered annually and 792 gonococcal infections remain untreated due to loss to follow-up. The use of an AMR POCT for ciprofloxacin could reduce these ceftriaxone treatments by 66%, and for an AMR POCT for penicillin by 79%. The mean time for patients receiving an antibiotic treatment is reduced by 2 days in scenarios including POCT and no positive patients remain untreated through eliminating loss to follow-up. Such POCTs are estimated to add £34 million to testing costs, but this does not take into account reductions in costs of repeat attendances and the reuse of older, cheaper antimicrobials. CONCLUSIONS The introduction of AMR POCT could allow clinicians to discern between the majority of gonorrhoea-positive patients with strains that could be treated with older, previously abandoned first-line treatments, and those requiring our current last-line dual therapy. Such tests could extend the useful life of dual ceftriaxone and azithromycin therapy, thus pushing back the time when gonorrhoea may become untreatable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy ME Turner
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Bristol, UK
| | - Hannah Christensen
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | - Helen Fifer
- Bacteriology Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Anthony McDonnell
- The O’Neill Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, Wellcome Trust, London, UK
| | - Neil Woodford
- Bacteriology Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
- The O’Neill Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, Wellcome Trust, London, UK
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Harding-Esch EM, Nori AV, Hegazi A, Pond MJ, Okolo O, Nardone A, Lowndes CM, Hay P, Sadiq ST. Impact of deploying multiple point-of-care tests with a 'sample first' approach on a sexual health clinical care pathway. A service evaluation. Sex Transm Infect 2017; 93:424-429. [PMID: 28159916 PMCID: PMC5574381 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2016-052988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess clinical service value of STI point-of-care test (POCT) use in a 'sample first' clinical pathway (patients providing samples on arrival at clinic, before clinician consultation). Specific outcomes were: patient acceptability; whether a rapid nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhoeae (CT/NG) could be used as a POCT in practice; feasibility of non-NAAT POCT implementation for Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and bacterial vaginosis (BV); impact on patient diagnosis and treatment. METHODS Service evaluation in a south London sexual health clinic. Symptomatic female and male patients and sexual contacts of CT/NG-positive individuals provided samples for diagnostic testing on clinic arrival, prior to clinical consultation. Tests included routine culture and microscopy; CT/NG (GeneXpert) NAAT; non-NAAT POCTs for TV and BV. RESULTS All 70 (35 males, 35 females) patients approached participated. The 'sample first' pathway was acceptable, with >90% reporting they were happy to give samples on arrival and receive results in the same visit. Non-NAAT POCT results were available for all patients prior to leaving clinic; rapid CT/NG results were available for only 21.4% (15/70; 5 males, 10 females) of patients prior to leaving clinic. Known negative CT/NG results led to two females avoiding presumptive treatment, and one male receiving treatment directed at possible Mycoplasma genitalium infection causing non-gonococcal urethritis. Non-NAAT POCTs detected more positives than routine microscopy (TV 3 vs 2; BV 24 vs 7), resulting in more patients receiving treatment. CONCLUSIONS A 'sample first' clinical pathway to enable multiple POCT use was acceptable to patients and feasible in a busy sexual health clinic, but rapid CT/NG processing time was too long to enable POCT use. There is need for further development to improve test processing times to enable POC use of rapid NAATs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Harding-Esch
- Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, St George's University of London, Institute for Infection & Immunity, London, UK.,HIV/STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Achyuta V Nori
- Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, St George's University of London, Institute for Infection & Immunity, London, UK.,Courtyard Clinic, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Aseel Hegazi
- Courtyard Clinic, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Marcus J Pond
- Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, St George's University of London, Institute for Infection & Immunity, London, UK
| | - Olanike Okolo
- Courtyard Clinic, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anthony Nardone
- HIV/STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Catherine M Lowndes
- HIV/STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Phillip Hay
- Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, St George's University of London, Institute for Infection & Immunity, London, UK.,Courtyard Clinic, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - S Tariq Sadiq
- Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, St George's University of London, Institute for Infection & Immunity, London, UK.,Courtyard Clinic, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Monaghan PJ, Lord SJ, St John A, Sandberg S, Cobbaert CM, Lennartz L, Verhagen-Kamerbeek WDJ, Ebert C, Bossuyt PMM, Horvath AR. Biomarker development targeting unmet clinical needs. Clin Chim Acta 2016; 460:211-9. [PMID: 27374304 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2016.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The introduction of new biomarkers can lead to inappropriate utilization of tests if they do not fill in existing gaps in clinical care. We aimed to define a strategy and checklist for identifying unmet needs for biomarkers. METHODS A multidisciplinary working group used a 4-step process: 1/ scoping literature review; 2/ face-to-face meetings to discuss scope, strategy and checklist items; 3/ iterative process of feedback and consensus to develop the checklist; 4/ testing and refinement of checklist items using case scenarios. RESULTS We used clinical pathway mapping to identify clinical management decisions linking biomarker testing to health outcomes and developed a 14-item checklist organized into 4 domains: 1/ identifying and 2/ verifying the unmet need; 3/ validating the intended use; and 4/ assessing the feasibility of the new biomarker to influence clinical practice and health outcome. We present an outcome-focused approach that can be used by multiple stakeholders for any medical test, irrespective of the purpose and role of testing. CONCLUSIONS The checklist intends to achieve more efficient biomarker development and translation into practice. We propose the checklist is field tested by stakeholders, and advocate the role of the clinical laboratory professional to foster trans-sector collaboration in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip J Monaghan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, The Christie Pathology Partnership, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
| | - Sarah J Lord
- School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Australia; National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Sverre Sandberg
- The Norwegian Quality Improvement of Primary Care Laboratories (NOKLUS), Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Norway; Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christa M Cobbaert
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Christoph Ebert
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Patrick M M Bossuyt
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea R Horvath
- SEALS Department of Clinical Chemistry and Endocrinology, Prince of Wales Hospital and School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Australia; Screening and Test Evaluation Program, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Australia
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28
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Atkinson LM, Vijeratnam D, Mani R, Patel R. 'The waiting game': are current chlamydia and gonorrhoea near-patient/point-of-care tests acceptable to service users and will they impact on treatment? Int J STD AIDS 2015; 27:650-5. [PMID: 26092579 DOI: 10.1177/0956462415591414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the length of time service users were prepared to wait for chlamydia and gonorrhoea (CT/GC) near-patient/point-of-care test (NP-POCT) results and to determine the possible effect on management. Individuals attending two UK clinics from November 2013 to February 2014 were surveyed asking the maximum length of time they would wait for CT/GC NP-POCT results after consultation. Linked CT/GC prevalence and treatment rates were analysed. A total of 1817 participants were surveyed, and 1356 provided CT/GC NAAT samples, in which it was found that 115 (8.5%) could wait over 90 minutes in clinic for their result. 115 received treatment at consultation, of which 50 were CT/GC negative and 12 were treated for urethritis or cervicitis; 38 attended as CT/GC contacts. Six of this population would have waited over 90 minutes were NP-POCTs available. A total of 129 tested CT/GC positive, of whom 65 were treated at their consultation, 61 at a later date, and three were untreated. Twelve of these 129 patients would also have waited over 90 minutes for a NP-POCT result. We conclude that 90-minute NP-POCTs are not acceptable to most clinic attendees and would not have impacted on treatment rates or inappropriate prescribing, and 20-minute NP-POCTs show a marginal benefit in treating CT/GC. While NP-POCTs for CT/GC are promising, they must meet client expectations and enhance disease management in order to be accepted by patients and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Reena Mani
- Department of Sexual Health, St Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Raj Patel
- University of Southampton, Southampton, UK Department of Sexual Health, Royal South Hants, Southampton, UK
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29
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Natoli L, Guy RJ, Shephard M, Whiley D, Tabrizi SN, Ward J, Regan DG, Badman SG, Anderson DA, Kaldor J, Maher L. Public health implications of molecular point-of-care testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea in remote primary care services in Australia: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2015; 5:e006922. [PMID: 25922100 PMCID: PMC4420950 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES With accurate molecular tests now available for diagnosis of chlamydia and gonorrhoea (Chlamydia trachomatis (CT)/Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG)) at the point-of-care (POC), we aimed to explore the public health implications (benefits and barriers) of their integration into remote primary care in Australia. METHODS Qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposively selected group of 18 key informants reflecting sexual health, primary care, remote Aboriginal health and laboratory expertise. RESULTS Participants believed that POC testing may decrease community prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and associated morbidity by reducing the time to treatment and infectious period and expediting partner notification. Also, POC testing could improve acceptability of STI testing, increase testing coverage and result in more targeted prescribing, thereby minimising the risk of antibiotic resistance. Conversely, some felt the immediacy of diagnosis could deter certain young people from being tested. Participants also noted that POC testing may reduce the completeness of communicable disease surveillance data given the current dependence on reporting from pathology laboratories. Others expressed concern about the need to maintain and improve the flow of NG antibiotic sensitivity data, already compromised by the shift to nucleic acid-based testing. This is particularly relevant to remote areas where culture viability is problematic. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate a high level of support from clinicians and public health practitioners for wider access to CT/NG POC tests citing potential benefits, including earlier, more accurate treatment decisions and reductions in ongoing transmission. However, the data also highlight the need for new systems to avoid adverse impact on disease surveillance. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12613000808741.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Natoli
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - R J Guy
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Shephard
- Flinders University International Centre for Point of-Care Testing, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - D Whiley
- Queensland Paediatric Infectious Diseases (QPID) Laboratory, Queensland Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - S N Tabrizi
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - J Ward
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - D G Regan
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - S G Badman
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - D A Anderson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - J Kaldor
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - L Maher
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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30
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Dyke T, Patel AR, Foley E. Summary and highlights from the International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections Congress 2014, Malta. Int J STD AIDS 2015; 26:215-7. [PMID: 25614520 DOI: 10.1177/0956462414566255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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