Examination of the Norfolk District Public Health Department STD Clinic Organizational Flow to Improve Program Outputs

Background: There is a lack of published literature on the subject of clinic infrastructure and patient satisfaction with services offered in sexually transmitted infection clinics.

Purpose: This study will address issues of organizational efficiency, and gain a better understanding of the needs of the community being served.

Setting/Participants/Resources: The Norfolk Health Department STD clinic (NSTDC) serves mainly the uninsured and the underinsured population from all areas in the Hampton Roads area. There are also the occasional referrals from the private sector. This study focuses on patients that come to the NSTDC for diagnosis, follow-up or treatment.

Methodology: We will be re-structuring the sequence of the patient intake process to address wait time and access. We are also, conducting a needs survey to address and incorporate the demands of the patient population. Lastly, we are introducing an educational component to the clinic flow to increase patient awareness of sexual risk behavior and decrease repeat STD incidence.

Results/Outcomes: We anticipate that the results of restructuring the patient intake process will decrease patient wait time, increase patient access, and maximize the patient centered experience. Also, by introducing an educational component, there will be an increase in awareness of sexual risk behavior.

Discussion/Conclusion: This study is essential for the reason that evaluating program inputs and processes allows for the development of more effective strategies to increase the likelihood of successful program outcomes. If this study is successful it can readily be applied as a model for other STD clinics within the Hampton Roads region.