The Prince of Asturias Hospital is leading an innovative primary health care project to treat sexually transmitted infections.

Project Approximate Its main goal is to optimize the diagnostic process of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by integrating rapid molecular diagnostic techniques and effective collaboration between primary health care (PC) and the microbiology service of the Prince of Asturias Hospital. The project, which started in January 2022, focuses on ongoing training of PC specialists, 24/7 diagnostic support from microbiology and improved communication channels to ensure rapid transfer of results.

Publication of the first project results in a recent study comparing clinical samples of suspected STIs obtained and analyzed using multiplex real-time RT-PCR for four pathogens (Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhea, Chlamydia trachomatis And Mycoplasma genitalium) before and after the implementation of the project demonstrate an exponential increase in STI screening with PC. AP requests made up 8% of the total in 2021, increasing to 42% in 2023. Positives also showed significant growth, from 22 in 2021 to 417 in 2023, representing an increase of 1,113%.

Influence

Proxima has proven to be a model of success in improving monitoring and surveillance of STIs. Effective collaboration between HUPA’s microbiology service and primary health care, supported by rapid molecular diagnostics and reliable communication, has facilitated resistance mapping and targeted treatment. These results highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and integration of advanced technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of STIs.

The distribution of positive diagnoses by gender shows a higher prevalence among women (61.73%), which is in line with the project’s focus on improving access to diagnostics for this group. This strategy not only allows for earlier and more accurate diagnosis, but also a better understanding of transmission dynamics in an often asymptomatic population.

Future prospects

Success Proxima in the Madrid Community emphasizes the need to standardize STI diagnostic protocols and establish similar collaborations in other regions. Incorporation of rapid care pathways and advanced molecular diagnostic techniques, together with active and two-way communication between microbiology and the computer, is essential for effective treatment of STIs. This project may serve as a model for future public health plans, highlighting the relevance of an interdisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and treatment of these infections.

This project was an important milestone in the collaboration between primary health care and microbiology services, significantly improving the management of STIs in the Community of Madrid. Integration of advanced diagnostic techniques and effective communication has proven critical to addressing this public health problem. The results obtained to date are promising and lay the foundation for future action at the national and international level.