2020 BASHH national clinical audit: Management of infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Abstract

This audit assessed adherence to standards specified in the BASHH national guidance for management of infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae (2018). All UK GUM/Integrated Sexual Health Services (Level 3 STI services) were invited to complete a brief survey of clinic service arrangements and case note review of the 40 individuals per clinic diagnosed with gonorrhoea via microscopy, nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) and/or culture up to the end of 2019. Data collection was between 30/01/2020 and 27/03/2020 using an online survey. There was no case of possible treatment failure with ceftriaxone having been reported to PHE. The standard for receiving first line treatment was narrowly missed. The other five national audit standards were not met. Based on the results, the following recommendations were made: individual sexual health service to identify areas for improvement in performance or documentation for key outcomes; adhere carefully to treatment guidelines; encourage all individuals with gonorrhoea to accept testing for syphilis, HIV as well as chlamydia, and to engage in partner notification.