Understanding access to genitourinary medicine services.

In this study we describe waiting times in genitourinary medicine clinics (England, Wales, Northern Ireland), describe patterns of clinic attendance over time, and explore the association between waiting times and attendance patterns. A postal survey of clinicians in October 2002 explored waiting times and appointment policy. Clinic attendance data were linked to survey responses, and attendance trends described in relation to national sexually transmitted infection (STI) data. Waiting times were reported, and associations between attendance patterns and appointment policy explored. Mean waiting times were 11.2 days for males and 12.5 days for females. An association between longer waiting time and new males' non-attendance rates was shown. From 1996 to 2002 there was no overall increase in attendances in English clinics, while the proportion of all patients who were new or had a new problem increased from 0.37 to 0.44, and the ratio of new STI diagnoses to new attenders increased from 0.2 to 0.31. Major acute STIs diagnosed in England increased from 114,380 to 185,247 cases.