What needs to change to increase chlamydia screening in general practice in Australia? The views of general practitioners
2008

Increasing Chlamydia Screening in Australian General Practice

Sample size: 276 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hocking Jane S, Parker Rhian M, Pavlin Natasha, Fairley Christopher K, Gunn Jane M

Primary Institution: University of Melbourne

Hypothesis

What needs to change to increase chlamydia screening in general practice in Australia?

Conclusion

Chlamydia screening in general practice is acceptable to Australian GPs, and policy makers must consider the facilitators identified by GPs for it to succeed.

Supporting Evidence

  • Over 90% of GPs would increase screening if there were national guidelines.
  • Time constraints were identified as the main barrier to increased screening.
  • GPs felt that education and financial incentives would facilitate screening.

Takeaway

Doctors in Australia think it's a good idea to test for chlamydia during regular check-ups, but they need more support and education to do it better.

Methodology

The study used qualitative interviews and a quantitative postal questionnaire to gather data from GPs.

Potential Biases

The sample may over-represent GPs interested in STIs, particularly female GPs.

Limitations

The sample may be biased as only 30% of contacted GPs participated, and the results may not be generalizable to all of Australia.

Participant Demographics

21 GPs interviewed, 255 completed the questionnaire; 30% were urban, 8 were female.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI provided for various statistics.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-8-425

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