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Evaluates the assessment of primary care physicians toward sexually transmitted diseases-related (STD) issues in Pennsylvania. Improvement of STD-prevention practices; Indication of clinical settings and counseling behaviors; Observation of the demographic characteristics.

The author reflects on the quality improvement for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) treatment guidelines. He mentions possible explanations for low adherence of providers such as unawareness of latest guidelines from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and disagreement with the guidelines' provisions. Moreover, strategies to improve outpatient health care quality are mentioned such as hospital staff training and the use of electronic medical records.

The article focuses on the workshop conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on the importance of self-obtained vaginal (SOV) specimens for detection of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the U.S. It stated that vaginal swabs are sensitive as cervical swabs for the detection of Chlamydia trachmotis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) and more urine specimens. The SOV offers an opportunity to increase screening and hopefully further reduce CT and GC infections in women. It is revealed that the STI testing using self-obtained specimens will not replace clinic-based speculum examination and counseling by clinicians. However, self-collection programs should enhance participation in targeted screening programs.