Improving data collection and information retrieval for monitoring sexual health

Recent advances in information technology (IT) offer a wealth of new tools to enhance data collection and information processing. Used in conjunction with established statistical techniques, these advances could be applied to develop a better understanding of demographic and behavioural factors in the acquisition and spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Successful implementation of these technologies will, however, require significant investment of resources, closer working between clinical specialties, and dealing with the fundamental concerns many clinicians as well as patients have over collection of personal data. An important first step towards realizing some of these benefits for data on STIs would be the disaggregation of data collected from genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics.