Innovations in sexually transmitted disease partner services

Hogben, Matthew; Niccolai, Linda M.

doi:10.1007/s11908-009-0022-6

Cited by 11 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…Other studies demonstrate differences between MSM patients and their providers regarding perceptions about determinants of sexual risk behavior, indicating that increased training and education might help to improve trust(31). Other recommendations for innovations to service provision include enhanced point-of-care counseling(13), as well as broadening referral for testing from sexual partners to social network members and peers(33). …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Next-Generation Methods for HIV Partner Services

Hochberg¹,

Berringer²,

Schneider³

2015

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

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Partner notification is a widely accepted method whose intent is to limit onwards HIV transmission. With acceleration in the use of new technologies such as text-messaging, e-mail and social network sites, there has been growing interest in utilizing these techniques for “next-generation” HIV partner services (PS). We conducted a systematic review to assess the utilization and effectiveness of these technologies in HIV PS. Our literature search resulted in 1,343 citations, and 8 met our inclusion criteria. We found efforts focused in 3 domains: 1) patient-led anonymous referral online (n=3); 2) provider-led efforts to augment traditional partner notification techniques at public health departments (n=4); 3) a hybrid approach utilizing a website for e-notification available to those with confirmed STI through an STI clinic (n=1). For the provider-led efforts a modest increase in HIV case-finding was noted despite a generally lower rate of successful notification in comparison to traditional PS. The public websites had a high total number of e-notifications sent, but less than 10% of cards were sent for HIV. Furthermore, low awareness of these services was found in surveys amongat-risk target populations. When given a choice, the majority of clients chose to send an e-notification via text versus e-mail. Although successful notification may be lower overall, use of next-generation services provides an avenue to contact those that would previously have been untraceable. Additional research is needed to determine to what extent technology enhanced partner services improves identification of newly infected persons as well as initiating new prevention for HIV negative clients within high-risk networks.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Next-Generation Methods for HIV Partner Services

Hochberg¹,

Berringer²,

Schneider³

2015

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

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“…This difference may be related to the nature of the doctors included in the samples - in many of the overseas studies, the doctors sampled included gynaecologists, genitourinary physicians, or doctors with a particular interest in family planning and sexual health. In addition, PDPT is legal in some jurisdictions within the U.S. [23], and its use is encouraged, so doctors there are likely to be more comfortable about using PDPT.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Better than nothing? Patient-delivered partner therapy and partner notification for chlamydia: the views of Australian general practitioners

et al. 2010

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BackgroundGenital chlamydia is the most commonly notified sexually transmissible infection (STI) in Australia and worldwide and can have serious reproductive health outcomes. Partner notification, testing and treatment are important facets of chlamydia control. Traditional methods of partner notification are not reaching enough partners to effectively control transmission of chlamydia. Patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) has been shown to improve the treatment of sexual partners. In Australia, General Practitioners (GPs) are responsible for the bulk of chlamydia testing, diagnosis, treatment and follow up. This study aimed to determine the views and practices of Australian general practitioners (GPs) in relation to partner notification and PDPT for chlamydia and explored GPs' perceptions of their patients' barriers to notifying partners of a chlamydia diagnosis.MethodsIn-depth, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 40 general practitioners (GPs) from rural, regional and urban Australia from November 2006 to March 2007. Topics covered: GPs' current practice and views about partner notification, perceived barriers and useful supports, previous use of and views regarding PDPT.Transcripts were imported into NVivo7 and subjected to thematic analysis. Data saturation was reached after 32 interviews had been completed.ResultsPerceived barriers to patients telling partners (patient referral) included: stigma; age and cultural background; casual or long-term relationship, ongoing relationship or not. Barriers to GPs undertaking partner notification (provider referral) included: lack of time and staff; lack of contact details; uncertainty about the legality of contacting partners and whether this constitutes breach of patient confidentiality; and feeling both personally uncomfortable and inadequately trained to contact someone who is not their patient. GPs were divided on the use of PDPT - many felt concerned that it is not best clinical practice but many also felt that it is better than nothing.GPs identified the following factors which they considered would facilitate partner notification: clear clinical guidelines; a legal framework around partner notification; a formal chlamydia screening program; financial incentives; education and practical support for health professionals, and raising awareness of chlamydia in the community, in particular amongst young people.ConclusionsGPs reported some partners do not seek medical treatment even after they are notified of being a sexual contact of a patient with chlamydia. More routine use of PDPT may help address this issue however GPs in this study had negative attitudes to the use of PDPT. Appropriate guidelines and legislation may make the use of PDPT more acceptable to Australian GPs.

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“…In addition, the technologies to assist patients in informing their partners, including the use of anonymous e-cards and text messaging, are now commonly available. 14,15 With increased access to mobile communications and other communication technologies, methods of partner notification using text message services and the Internet will become viable options for patients in resource-limited countries. Given that most settings will continue to rely on patients to initiate partner notification, public health interventions are needed to remove barriers to partner notification.…”

Section: What This Study Addsmentioning

confidence: 99%