Patient-delivered partner therapy for chlamydia: health practitioner views on updated guidance in Victoria, Australia

Abstract

Background Patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) involves providing a prescription or medication to a patient diagnosed with chlamydia to pass to their sexual partner/s. Barriers to PDPT include uncertainty about its integration into clinical practice and permissibility. In Victoria, Australia, the Department of Health provides clinical guidance for PDPT (updated in 2022). We explored health practitioner views on the usefulness of the updated guidance for providing PDPT. Methods We conducted an online survey (12 December 2022 to 2 May 2023) of health practitioners who primarily work in Victoria and can prescribe to treat chlamydia. The survey displayed excerpts from the guidance, and asked closed and free-text questions about its ability to address barriers to PDPT. Quantitative data were descriptively analysed, complemented by conventional content analysis of qualitative data. Results Of a total of 49 respondents (66.7% general practitioners), 74.5% were aware of PDPT, and 66.7% had previously offered PDPT. After viewing excerpts of the guidance, >80% agreed it could support them to identify patients eligible/ineligible for PDPT, and 66.7% indicated they would be comfortable to offer PDPT. The guidance was viewed as helpful to address some barriers, including complicated documentation (87.7%) and medico-legal concerns (66.7%). Qualitative data highlighted medico-legal concerns by a minority of respondents. Some raised concerns that the guidance recommended prescribing azithromycin, despite doxycycline being first-line chlamydia treatment. Conclusions The guidance was largely viewed as supportive for PDPT decision-making. There is scope for further refinements and clarifications, and wider dissemination of the guidance.