Datta J, et al. – The study was planned to explore the experiences and views of men who have sex with men (MSM) on attending clinical sexual health services and their preferences regarding service characteristics in the context of the disproportionate burden of STIs experienced by this group. The wider study aim was to develop a risk assessment tool for use in sexual health clinics. Observations revealed a range of opinion on the type of STI service men preferred with some opting for generic sexual and reproductive health clinics and others opting for specialist community–based services. There was general agreement on the qualities they would like to see in healthcare staff. The knowledge, conduct and demeanour of staff could exacerbate or ameliorate unease associated with attending for STI testing.