P076 Do prescriptions for expedited partner therapy get filled? findings from a multi-jurisdictional evaluation, US, 2017–2018

Abstract

transmitted infections (STI). Providers struggled to differentiate event-specific anxieties from more chronic, underlying anxietyrelated conditions. Three barriers constrained the providers' abilities to effectively address MHSU service needs: 1) clinic mandates or funding models (specific to STI/HIV or reproductive health); 2) 'silo-ing' (i.e., physical and administrative separation) of services; and, 3) limited familiarity with MSHU service referral pathways. In response to these barriers and acknowledging the prevalence and prominence of MHSU concerns among clients, participants described actionable solutions. 1) Reduce silos, by clarifying referral pathways from sexual health clinics to MHSU providers. 2) Co-locate sexual health and MHSU services. 3) Assess the broader health needs of high-anxiety and low-STI risk clients who frequently access sexual health services. Conclusion Sexual health clinicians in British Columbia generally affirm the results of previous, quantitative and clientfocused research showing high rates of MHSU-related needs among sexual health clinic clients. Providers prioritized specific short-term (referral-focused) and long-term (healthcare reorganization) solutions for improving access to MHSU for those using sexual health services. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021

“…Providers should visit https://www.cdc.gov/std/ept to obtain updated information for their state. Providing patients with packaged oral medication is the preferred approach because the efficacy of EPT using prescriptions has not been evaluated, obstacles to EPT can exist at the pharmacy level ( 121 , 122 ), and many persons (especially adolescents) do not fill the prescriptions provided to them by a sex partner ( 123 , 124 ). Medication or prescriptions provided for EPT should be accompanied by educational materials for the partner, including treatment instructions, warnings about taking medications (e.g., if the partner is pregnant or has an allergy to the medication), general health counseling, and a statement advising that partners seek medical evaluation as soon as possible for HIV infection and any symptoms of STIs, particularly PID.…”

“…MSM with chlamydia have a high risk for coexisting infections, especially undiagnosed HIV, among their partners and might have partners without HIV who could benefit from HIV PrEP. Data are also limited regarding effectiveness of EPT in reducing persistent or recurrent chlamydia among MSM ( 123 , 133 , 134 ); thus, shared clinical decision-making regarding EPT for MSM is recommended. Having partners accompany patients when they return for treatment is another strategy that has been used successfully for ensuring partner treatment (see Partner Services).…”

Mixed-method evaluation of an expedited partner therapy take-home medication program: a pilot ED intervention to improve sexual health equity

“…While EPT has been demonstrated to increase follow-up rates with the index patient's partner and reduce reinfection rates among the index patient, 46 the total rate of treatment of the patient's partner is still relatively low, owing in part due to low prescription filling rates, sometimes found to be less than 50%. 47,48 This study demonstrates one method for addressing this back-end issue: providing take-home medications rather than a written prescription. This would reduce the impact of one major limiting factor in the completion of treatment.…”

Mixed-methods Evaluation of an Expedited Partner Therapy Take-home Medication Program: Pilot Emergency Department Intervention to Improve Sexual Health Equity

“…While EPT has been demonstrated to increase follow-up rates with the index patient's partner and reduce reinfection rates among the index patient, 46 prior studies have found that the total rate of treatment of the patient's partner is still relatively low, owing in part due to low prescription filling rates, sometimes found to be less than 50%. 47,48 This study demonstrates one method for addressing this back-end issue: providing take-home medications rather than a written prescription. This would reduce the impact of one major limiting factor in the completion of treatment.…”