[Articles] Sexually transmitted infection testing and key outcomes following implementation of online postal self-sampling into sexual health services in England: a retrospective observational study of routinely collected service-level healthcare data

Despite a reduction in clinic-based testing linked to COVID-19, the introduction of OPSS has been associated with increases in overall testing activity. OPSS uptake was lower among populations with greater potential for unmet need, such as individuals living in more deprived areas. Although OPSS is available to all people living within the commissioned areas, in practice not all individuals with a need for STI testing are aware of it or have the confidence and ability to access it. Differences across all socio-demographic characteristics in the relative change in testing could inadvertently increase existing inequalities in access to care and it is important to offer choice of mode of testing for service users.