BASHH launches updated Standards for the management of Sexually Transmitted Infections

The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) has published updated Standards for the management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), available online here.

The standards have been updated in order to support commissioners and providers in achieving high quality sexual health services for the populations they serve. The updated standards effectively replace the standards for the management of STIs published jointly by BASHH and MEDFASH in 2014.

Representing current best practice, these new standards are intended for use in all services commissioned by local authorities or the NHS, including those provided by the independent and third sectors. The standards are also strongly recommended for use in independent services not commissioned by the public sector. While they are written to be applicable to the commissioning system in England, their clinical recommendations are relevant for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The document contains nine individual standards that contextualise current guidance and cover all aspects of the management of STIs. These standards cover the areas of: access; clinical assessment; diagnostics; clinical management; information governance; clinical governance; appropriately trained staff; links to other services; and patient and public engagement.

To ensure alignment with the NICE Quality Standard for Sexual Health, each individual standard within the document contains: a quality statement; quality measures; quality standards; implications for commissioners, service providers, healthcare professionals and non-registered healthcare workers and people with needs relating to STIs; supporting information and references.

Commenting on the updated document, Dr. Raj Patel, lead author of the Standards said:

“The 2019 Standards will continue to support commissioners and providers in achieving high quality sexual health for the populations they serve. Importantly they specify what the public can expect of the services they access. The nine standards cover all aspects of the management of STIs and set quality standards in each area. They reflect important developments in service design, diagnostics and clinical care and are aligned to NICE, PHE and BASHH standards and guidelines.”

Dr. Olwen Williams, President of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV said:

“As President of BASHH, I believe It is imperative that individuals with STI needs get the best care, hence I encourage all provides and commissioners of services that are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of STIs to adopt these updated Standards. I also want to thank all those who contributed to the document and to recognise the hard work and dedication which has been invaluable to its development.”