A problem-oriented gynecology clinic for patients with sexually transmitted diseases

A problem-oriented clinic designed to provide continuity of care for female patients with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is described. The primary goal of the clinic is to ensure adequate follow-up care for individuals diagnosed as having pelvic inflammatory disease. Functions of the clinic also include follow-up care for patients with positive gonorrhea cultures and consultation for individuals with other STDs. From the time of initiation of the clinic in January, 1976, until November 15, 1979, 4,305 patients were seen. A stratified random sample of 190 of these patients revealed the reasons for attending the clinic to be: (1) follow-up for PID, 85 patients (44.7%), (2) positive gonorrhea culture, 63 (36.3%), (3) unsatisfactory gonorrhea culture, 14 (7.4%), (4) gonorrhea contact, 10 (5.3%), and (5) other, 12 (6.3%). Complete follow-up has been obtained on 3,935 (91.4%) of the patients. Of the 370 patients who did not return for follow-up visits, 336 were reported to the local health department for retrieval. There were 34 patients in whom the follow-up status could not be determined. The establishment, operation, advantages, and disadvantages of the clinic are discussed.