Improving care for patients with sexually transmitted infections in South Africa

AIM: To assess the quality of integrated sexually transmitted infection (STI) services in primary health care. METHOD: A two-page questionnaire, in collaboration with district health service supervisors, was developed to assess the quality of care and health services for STIs in individual clinics. RESULTS: The data suggest that the quality-assessment instrument used has the potential to promote the improvement of STI care delivery at district and clinic levels. CONCLUSION: The quality-assessment instrument proved easy to use, can be adapted to local requirements and is appropriate for use in developing countries. The authors maintain that using this instrument in various district clinics could help supervisors identify the main impediments to the delivery of high quality services, and give them a platform from which to set priorities in training, infrastructure, equipment and supplies.