Experience of opt-out BBV and syphilis testing in the ED.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative exploration of the experience and acceptability of testing positive for syphilis following opt-out testing in the emergency department.
IRAS ID
348881
Contact name
David Chadwick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
High numbers of blood borne viruses (BBVs) and syphilis in Teesside have led to the pilot roll out of opt-out testing currently ongoing in the emergency department (ED) at James Cook University Hospital.
Opt-out testing for syphilis is a novel project which may be modelled around the country following success at identifying new diagnoses which may not be picked up by traditional routes (sexual health services and maternity testing).
It is therefore appropriate that a qualitative study is done to look at the patient experience of testing positive following an emergency department attendance. We also hope to explore reasons for not being tested previously, which may include avoiding testing, reluctance to attend sexual health services or lack of knowledge around services, symptoms or testing and treatment availability. We hope to better understand barriers to usual routes of diagnosis as sexual health and maternity services are not picking up a significant number of diagnoses in Teeside.
The Researcher is undertaking this project as her dissertation project for her masters studies in Public health based at Newcastle University.
Patients who tested positive as part of the pilot will be contacted by the team and requested to attend a one to one qualitative interview exploring their experience of testing positive for infection following a blood test in the ED.
We hope that our findings will help future service planning to provide appropriate screening services which better reach varied populations and are acceptable and feasible in order to reduce infection and onwards transmission rates.REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NE/0224
Date of REC Opinion
5 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion