Healthcare providers’ perspectives on expedited partner therapy for chlamydia: a qualitative study: Table 1

Abstract

This is the first study to qualitatively examine HCPs' perspectives on EPT in the USA. Barriers to EPT, including concerns about counselling patients' partners and the legal status of EPT, can be overcome. EPT recommendations could include the use of phone calls as part of their guidelines. Changing EPT legislation at the state level in the USA is an important factor to facilitate EPT use.

Perspectives on expedited partner therapy for chlamydia: a survey of health care providers

“…Participation was encouraged by HCPs who had previously participated in the formative, qualitative research that helped to inform the survey instrument. 17 No incentives to participate were provided. The survey instrument took providers between 5 and 10 minutes to complete.…”

Adolescent Sexual Health: “Partners” in Prevention

“…6 Expedited partner therapy (EPT) is the practice of providing antibiotic therapy to the sexual partner of a patient infected with an STI without an evaluation by a clinician. 7,8 In 2006, the CDC recommended EPT as an option for women and heterosexual partners infected with gonorrhea or chlamydia. [6][7][8] The use of EPT in men who have sex with men requires further research because of the risk of missing coinfections such as HIV or syphilis and is therefore not recommended.…”

“…7,8 In 2006, the CDC recommended EPT as an option for women and heterosexual partners infected with gonorrhea or chlamydia. [6][7][8] The use of EPT in men who have sex with men requires further research because of the risk of missing coinfections such as HIV or syphilis and is therefore not recommended. 6,7,9 Although providers often encourage partner notification, research suggests this alone does not result in the treatment of partners.…”

“…6,7,9 Although providers often encourage partner notification, research suggests this alone does not result in the treatment of partners. 7,8 EPT is most commonly completed by patient delivery of either a prescription or medication dispensed from the provider's office. EPT is beneficial in decreasing patient reinfection while increasing the likelihood of more of their partners being treated.…”

Highlights from this issue

“…There is growing emphasis on the targeting of testing, for which partner notification provides an important opportunity. Expedited partner therapy appeals to practitioners as a tool, especially where concerns about its legality can be overcome5 – however this approach does not address chains of transmission through testing for STI and HIV.…”