Nurse-led sexually transmitted disease clinics: staff perceptions concerning the quality of the service

Int J STD AIDS. 2009 Nov;20(11):754-6. doi: 10.1258/ijsa.2009.009068. Epub 2009 Oct 23.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate staff perception of a nurse-led sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinical service. The staff at the Amsterdam STI clinic were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. A series of eight questions was designed to determine the perceived advantages or disadvantages of nurse-led clinics, based on personal experience, using a Likert scale. After completion of the structured interview, the staff were offered the opportunity of providing comments. All 36 members of staff completed the survey. Twenty-seven (75%) agreed or strongly agreed that nurse-led clinics provided more time with patients. Sixty-four percent agreed or strongly agreed that such a service provided greater confidentiality and 94% agreed or strongly agreed that 'nurse-led clinics provided a high level of job satisfaction for nurses.' In contrast, only 64% agreed or strongly agreed that nurse-led clinics provided a high level of job satisfaction for doctors. When staff comments were evaluated, four common themes emerged. First, that this was an efficient way of providing services; second, that the clinic was a pleasant environment, there was excellent teamwork and greater job satisfaction; third, that a good deal of rivalry existed between doctors and nurses and finally, that there was a need for and importance of protocols, rules and staff training and development. In conclusion, there was a high level of staff satisfaction with the service. Nurse-led STI clinics may be a useful adjunct to existing STI facilities.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Hospitals, Special / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Job Satisfaction*
  • Male
  • Netherlands
  • Nursing, Team / standards*
  • Perception
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / therapy*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires