Background: Chlamydia is the most frequently reported sexually transmitted infection. COVID-19 exacerbated the challenges in treating and preventing new Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections. This study examined the impact of COVID-19 on treating CT-positive patients discharged from a safety-net women's emergency unit.Methods: This was a preretrospective and postretrospective cohort study.Chlamydia trachomatis-positive female patients seen in the women's emergency unit were evaluated. Patients discharged in 2019, the "pre-COVID-19" group, and those discharged in 2020, the "COVID-19" group, were compared. The primary outcome was CT treatment within 30 days, and secondary outcomes included prescription dispensation, repeat tests taken, and expedited partner treatment. A subgroup of patients discharged before treatment who entered a nurse-led follow-up program was also evaluated.Results: Of the 1357 cases included, there were no differences in successful 30-day treatment (709 of 789 [89.9%] vs. 568 of 511 [89.9%], P = 0.969) or repeat positive CT test (74 of 333 [22.2%] vs. 46 of 211 [21.8%]), P = 0.36) between pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19. However, the patients who picked up their prescription (196 of 249 [78.7%] vs. 180 of 206 [87.4%], P = 0.021) and those who were prescribed expedited partner therapy (156 of 674 [23.1%] vs. 292 of 460 [63.5%], P < 0.001) increased. Findings in the subgroup of patients who entered the follow-up program were consistent with those in the full cohort. Conclusions:The COVID-19 pandemic did not change treatment patterns of CT-positive patients in this safety-net women's emergency unit. However, patients were more likely to pick up their medications during COVID-19. Despite the perseverance of these programs through the pandemic, most patients are discharged before positive results, and a fair amount remain untreated.
Objective A new monthly virtual education curriculum on sexual healthcare was launched in 2021. This is an analysis of the pilot education series designed to increase primary care providers’ knowledge of sexual health best practices including taking thorough sexual histories, STI screening and treatment, and PrEP prescribing. Methods A Sexual Health Curriculum Series was developed as part of a quality improvement initiative at a large urban safety-net hospital in Dallas County, Texas. Didactic sessions were administered to primary care providers and staff via a virtual meeting platform once a month from May 2021 to April 2022. Results A total of 52 participants completed the pre-series survey, and 21 participants filled out the final post-series survey. 70% of respondents who completed the post-series survey reported that they learned new information that was incorporated into their practice. The average percentage correct on individual pre-session surveys was 60% compared to 63% on individual post-session surveys (p = 0.03). Conclusion Sexual health education is an important tool to help primary care providers adhere to sexual health best practices. There is a need for ongoing implementation of innovative strategies to improve knowledge and adherence to sexual health best practices. A sexual health curriculum may be effective in helping primary providers recognize patients at increased risk and apply evidence-based guidelines to their practices.
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