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Article << Previous     |     Next >>   Contents Vol 5(3)

Sexually transmissible infection management practices among primary care physicians in Singapore

Roy K. W. Chan A C, Hiok Hee Tan A, Martin T. W. Chio A, Priya Sen A, Kar Woon Ho B, Mee Lian Wong B

A National Skin Centre, 1 Mandalay Road, 308205, Singapore.
B Department of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, 117597, Singapore.
C Corresponding author. Email: roychan@nsc.gov.sg
 
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Abstract

Background: Primary care physicians manage a significant number of sexually transmissible infections (STI); however, there has not been a survey to assess the standard of medical care, completeness of notifications, provision of counselling and contact tracing by primary care physicians in Singapore. Methods: An anonymous postal survey was conducted in which 1557 questionnaires were mailed out to general practitioners (GP), and government primary care and emergency department doctors. Results: In all, 736 questionnaires (47.3%) were returned, and the majority of respondents were graduates from the local medical school, worked in solo or group practices and were males. One hundred and thirty doctors (17.7%) indicated they had received training attachments or postings in dermato-venereology departments. Almost one-third (30.8%) had been working as doctors for fewer than 10 years and 87.8% reported that they managed STI in their practice. Almost half did not investigate genital discharge patients, and one-third would still use ciprofloxacin to treat discharges. In the management of ulcers, over half indicated that they would order syphilis serology, and a significant minority would use parenteral penicillin. Most doctors provided history taking, screening for other STI, testing for HIV infection and STI counselling. A small minority of doctors undertook contact tracing, and there was incomplete notification of many STI. Conclusions: Overall medical management of STI by primary care physicians was acceptable. Skills in contact tracing and reminders on disease notification are areas that need particular attention.

Keywords: contact tracing, counselling, general practitioners, notification.


   
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