Evaluation of internet-based STI testing in Lambeth and Southwark
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Can internet-based sexual health services increase diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections compared to face-to-face services? Evaluation of an internet-based sexual health service in Lambeth and Southwark.
IRAS ID
159386
Contact name
Paula Baraitser
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of an online sexual health service based in Southwark and Lambeth. We will establish effectiveness based on whether online services can 1) increase uptake of STI testing 2) diagnose a higher proportion of participants with at least one STI compared to standard face-to-face care pathways. We will also assess if online sexual health services are acceptable to our study population.
The intervention - Sexual Health 24 (SH24) - is funded by Guys and St Thomas' charity and is being developed and rolled out over the next 4 years. Co-designed with both staff and users, SH24 aims to offer a user -centred service, embedded within local sexual health care economies, which is capable of providing a seamless interface between online, clinic and telephone based services. The SH24 website will begin by launching online STI testing (the focus of this evaluation) in the latter part of 2014. It will gradually add increasing functionality and complexity (such as telephone and support services) over the courses of its 4 year development.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/1477
Date of REC Opinion
9 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion