Patient-delivered partner therapy: One option for management of sexual partner(s) of a patient diagnosed with a chlamydia infection.

Abstract

Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed bacterial sexually transmissible infection (STI) in Australia. Partner management is key to reducing transmission and a cornerstone of best practice chlamydia management. While most patients will opt for telling their partner(s) themselves, patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) offers an alternative way to inform and treat partners where usual management isinappropriate or unlikely to be undertaken. Guidelines for PDPT vary across Australia. Recent research found that general practitioners (GP)s want practical guidance for using PDPT in appropriate situations. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the process of offering PDPT and note the challenges GPs mayface in its provision. PDPT is one option for partner management when sexual partner(s) areunlikely or unable to seek timely carethemselves. However, there are challenges to the use of PDPT in general practice. The provision of clear guidelines is an essential step to promote its appropriate use.