Can remote STI/HIV testing and e Clinical Care be compatible with robust public health surveillance?

DH15 (2015). 2015 May 18:129-130. doi: 10.1145/2750511.2750517.

Abstract

In this paper we outline the current data capture systems for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) surveillance used by Public Health England (PHE), and how these will be affected by the introduction of novel testing platforms and changing patient pathways. We outline the Chlamydia Online Clinical Care Pathway (COCCP), developed as part of the Electronic Self-Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (eSTI2) Consortium, which ensures that surveillance data continue to be routinely collected and transmitted to PHE. We conclude that both novel diagnostic testing platforms and established data capture systems must be adaptable to ensure continued robust public health surveillance.

Keywords: HIV; Public health; STI; Sexually transmitted infection; eClinical care; patient pathways; self-testing; surveillance.