Expedited Partner Therapy Research Articles

Expedited Partner Therapy Review.

Sexually transmitted infection rates continue to rise in adolescents and young adults. Treatment of patients and their partners is vitally important to prevent reinfection and morbidity. Expedited partner therapy (EPT) is a legally available option for clinicians. EPT is endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and allows clinicians to prescribe medication for certain STIs for their patients' partner(s) without an evaluation of the partner(s). However, EPT is underutilized, and multisystem-level barriers exist to successful EPT exist. This article reviews the indications of EPT, common barriers to EPT and solutions to overcome these barriers, and practical considerations when prescribing EPT.

Model‐assisted analysis of covariance estimators for stepped wedge cluster randomized experiments

AbstractStepped wedge cluster randomized experiments (SW‐CREs) represent a class of unidirectional crossover designs. Although SW‐CREs have become popular, definitions of estimands and robust methods to target estimands under the potential outcomes framework remain insufficient. To address this gap, we describe a class of estimands that explicitly acknowledge the multilevel data structure in SW‐CREs and highlight three typical members of the estimand class that are interpretable. We then introduce four analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) working models to achieve estimand‐aligned analyses with covariate adjustment. Each ANCOVA estimator is model‐assisted, as its point estimator is consistent even when the working model is misspecified. Under the stepped wedge randomization scheme, we establish the finite population Central Limit Theorem for each estimator. We study the finite‐sample operating characteristics of the ANCOVA estimators in simulations and illustrate their application by analyzing the Washington State Expedited Partner Therapy study.

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

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.

Using the Electronic Health Record to Implement Expedited Partner Therapy in the Pediatric Emergency Department.

Expedited partner therapy (EPT) is a partner treatment strategy for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including gonorrhea and chlamydia as well as trichomoniasis in some states. The process allows healthcare providers to write prescriptions for STI treatment among partners of infected patients without a previous medical evaluation. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended EPT as a useful option to facilitate partner treatment, particularly male partners of women with chlamydia or gonorrhea infections. Our institution implemented EPT in 2016 after Ohio legislation was passed to authorize its use. We aim to describe the implementation process and descriptive outcomes of EPT adoption in a pediatric emergency department. This study describes use of the electronic health record for implementation of EPT in our institution. We conducted a retrospective review of EPT utilization from implementation. Electronic records from the implementation date of January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2021, were reviewed. We describe basic demographics and overall uptake of the intervention. Fisher exact tests were used for categorical variables and two-sample t -tests for continuous variables. There was a total of 3275 positive test results and 739 EPT prescriptions written. Adolescent patients who received prescriptions for EPT were more likely to be female (78.7% of all EPT prescriptions, P = 0.007) and older than other patients (average age 17.7 vs 17.4 years, P = 0.004). There was no significant difference in race, insurance, or ethnicity among adolescent patients receiving and not receiving EPT. The percentage of positive STI tests associated with an EPT prescription ranged between 11.4% and 18.2%. Metronidazole was the most prescribed EPT medication. The use of the electronic health record provides a platform for implementation of EPT. Our study highlights a potential strategy for increasing treatments of STIs through EPT prescribing in the emergency department setting.

Epidemiology of Chlamydia trachomatis and Repeat Positivity Following Detection in New York State.

In New York State, excluding New York City, chlamydia remains a persistent health concern. Our aim was to characterize chlamydia epidemiology and identify groups at higher risk of repeat positivity to inform targeted public health interventions. We analyzed demographic and clinical data of laboratory-confirmed chlamydia cases in New York State from 2015 to 2019. Repeat positivity was defined as a second positive chlamydia test within 31 to 365days of the initial positive test. We compared characteristics of individuals with single and repeat positivity and evaluated associations with repeat positivity using multivariable logistic regression models. During the study period, 176273 individuals were diagnosed with chlamydia, with 17253 experiencing repeat positivity. Repeat positivity was more common among individuals assigned female at birth. Key predictors of repeat positivity among females included non-Hispanic Black (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27-1.40) race/ethnicity, ages 13 to 19 (aOR: 1.62; 95% CI, 1.55-1.69), prior sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis (aOR: 1.24; 95% CI, 1.18-1.31), symptomatic examination (aOR: 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.13), and county/community (aOR: 1.10; 95% CI, 1.05-1.15) or private/public (aOR: 1.18; 95% CI, 1.11-1.25) provider. Among males, predictors included non-Hispanic Black (aOR: 1.57; 95% CI, 1.45-1.70) race/ethnicity, ages 13 to 19 (aOR: 1.27; 95% CI, 1.17-1.38), HIV coinfection (aOR: 1.30; 95% CI, 1.10-1.54), prior STI diagnosis (aOR: 1.31; 95% CI, 1.20-1.43), extragenital infection site (aOR: 2.59; 95% CI, 2.27-2.95), symptomatic examination (aOR: 1.21; 95% CI, 1.12-1.31), and county/community health (aOR: 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.17) provider. Our findings provide valuable insights for sexual health interventions to prevent chlamydia transmission and recurrence. Prioritizing resources for prevention interventions and tailored sexual health promotion among non-Hispanic Black individuals is crucial. Additionally, targeted STI prevention efforts are needed for males who have sex with men and those initially diagnosed with extragenital infection. Research is warranted on STI prevention among people living with HIV or at high risk of HIV infection. Strengthening prevention strategies through Expedited Partner Therapy and sexual health education for individuals at risk of repeat positivity could enhance prevention efforts.

Reducing Barriers for Expedited Partner Treatment in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Quality Improvement Initiative.

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) face significant barriers to screening, testing, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Expedited partner therapy (EPT) streamlines partner treatment of STIs, but use among adolescents is low. We aimed to increase EPT offering and provision at 2 adolescent medicine clinics (AMCs) and the emergency department (ED) in an urban children's hospital. We addressed barriers at provider, pharmacy, and patient levels. We compared EPT offering and provision for chlamydia ( Chlamydia trachomatis [CT]) and trichomonas ( Trichomonas vaginalis [TV]) infection at baseline and across 2 intervention cycles. Baseline data were collected from July 2019 to March 2020 and our intervention time frame spanned from April 2020 to October 2021. Laboratory codes identified patients with CT or TV infections. Cycle 1 allowed providers to order EPT within a patient's chart. The second cycle targeted education and standardization for STI/EPT notification and counseling. During this cycle, notification of ED patients was centralized to the AMC nurses. A total of 747 CT and TV cases were identified. In the AMC, EPT offering increased from 77.3% to 87.7% ( P = 0.01). Expedited partner therapy provision increased from 32.3% to 69.9% ( P < 0.001). Expedited partner therapy offering for ED patients increased by 82.3%. Retesting rates remained consistent, with a significant drop in reinfection rates ( P = 0.003) within patients seen in the AMC. This quality improvement initiative successfully increased EPT offering and provision among the cases identified. Future cycles may include longer-term follow-up to confirm partner treatment and testing per guidelines.

Expanding expedited partner therapy and HIV prophylaxis in the emergency department.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to have a disproportionate impact on individuals belonging to sexual, gender, and racial minorities. Across the nation, many emergency medicine pharmacists (EMPs) possess the skills and knowledge to expand the provision of expedited partner therapy (EPT) for STIs and provide HIV prophylaxis within existing practice frameworks. This report serves as a call to action for expanded provision of EPT and HIV prophylaxis by EMPs and highlights current barriers and solutions to increase pharmacist involvement in these practice areas. Emergency medicine pharmacy practice continues to expand to allow for limited prescribing authority through collaborative practice agreements (CPAs). In recent years, CPA restrictions have been changed to facilitate treatment of more patients with less bureaucracy. This report addresses the unique challenges and opportunities for expanding EPT and HIV pre- and postexposure prophylaxis provision by pharmacists in emergency departments (EDs). Furthermore, current strategies and treatments for EPT, such as patient-delivered partner therapy and HIV prophylaxis, are discussed. Pharmacist involvement in STI treatment and HIV prevention is a key strategy to increase access to high-risk populations with high ED utilization and help close current gaps in care. Expanding EMP provision of EPT and HIV prophylaxis may be beneficial to reducing the incidence of STIs and HIV infection in the community. CPAs offer a feasible solution to increase pharmacist involvement in the provision of these treatments. Legislative efforts to expand pharmacist scope of practice can also contribute to increasing access to EPT and HIV prophylaxis. With these efforts, EMPs can play an essential role in the fight against STIs and HIV.

1824. Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Preferred Treatment of Trichomonas vaginalis and Chlamydia trachomatis

Abstract Background The 2021 CDC Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Treatment Guideline modified preferred therapy for Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) from single dose to a 7-day course. Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are non-medical factors that influence a person’s life; little is known regarding the association between SDOH and TV and CT treatment. The study objective was to evaluate treatment of TV and CT infections after the guideline update and determine if health inequities exist with use of preferred therapy. Methods IRB approved, retrospective cohort of patients ≥ 15 years with confirmed diagnosis of uncomplicated TV or CT in outpatient settings. Excluded: pregnant/nursing, allergy to preferred therapy, unable to take oral. Primary outcome: proportion who received guideline preferred vs non-preferred (alternative, discordant, or null) antibiotic therapy. Logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with preferred treatment; SDOH were exposures of interest. Secondary outcomes: test of cure (≤ 3 months), any repeat positive test (recurrence/reinfection), any retreatment, expedited partner therapy (EPT) offered. A sample of 712 patients was needed to detect a 10% difference between two exposures (α=0.05, β=0.2). Results 473 (66%) patients received preferred therapy; patient characteristics are in Table 1. Patients &amp;lt; 25 years had more asymptomatic disease compared to older patients (198 [54%] vs 150 [44%], P=0.01). Patients who received Emergency Department (ED) care were more likely to receive preferred therapy compared to outpatient clinics (201/264 [76%] vs 272/448 [61%], P=&amp;lt; 0.001). Black race, lower median income, and public insurance covaried with ED care. After adjusting for female sex, receipt of ED care was independently associated with preferred therapy (Table 2). 181 (25%) patients had 3-month test of cure performed; repeat positive test/retreatment was more frequent in patients who received non-preferred therapy (25 [11%] vs 24 [5%], P=0.01). EPT was offered in 35 (7%) and 8 (3%) patients in the preferred and non-preferred groups (P=0.03).Table 2:Variables Associated with Receipt of Preferred Therapy. Abbreviations: ED, Emergency Department; UnAdjOR, unadjusted odds ratio; AdjOR, adjusted odds ratio Conclusion Preferred therapy was more frequent in patients who received ED care. EDs represent an important safety net and provide high-level care for patients with SDOH barriers. Disclosures Erin Eriksson, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP, Stryker Corp: Stocks/Bonds Indira Brar, MD, Gilead: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead: Grant/Research Support|Gilead: Honoraria|Janssen: Grant/Research Support|Janssen: Honoraria|ViiV: Advisor/Consultant|ViiV: Grant/Research Support|ViiV: Honoraria Michael Veve, PharmD, MPH, National Institutes of Health: Grant/Research Support|Paratek Pharmaceuticals: Grant/Research Support

2677. Evaluation of Expedited Partner Therapy Prescribing in an Urban Emergency Department

Abstract Background Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) is a useful tool that facilitates prompt treatment of sex partners in patients diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study describes EPT utilization and documentation practices in an urban Emergency Department (ED) after implementing electronic EPT orders into a medical record system. Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional study evaluated EPT prescribing and documentation practices in an urban ED from 1/1/22 – 9/30/22. The study included patients older than 18 years of age with suspected chlamydia, gonorrhea, and/or trichomoniasis who received either a physical EPT prescription or an EPT kit. Collected data included patient characteristics, diagnostic and treatment data, and documentation measures. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the number of STI cases and those who received EPT. Results Data was collected on 37 patients who received EPT during their ED visit. The majority were uninsured (43%), and each patient had an average of 1.27 sex partners. HIV and syphilis screening were performed only in 8 (22%) and 7 (19%) of patients seen for a suspected STI. The number of cases for chlamydia (n=228), gonorrhea (n=149), and trichomoniasis (n=282) were disproportional to the total number of EPT orders throughout the 9-month study period. The number of EPT prescriptions was highest after the implementation of electronic sentences (n=27). At discharge, 76% of patients received a medication kit to provide direct treatment access for sex partners of index patients. Electronic dot phrases were used by 81% of providers to meet state documentation requirements. The results of this study demonstrate a significant STI burden with low EPT utilization from providers. Conclusion There was an increase of EPT utilization after the implementation of electronic order sentences in the electronic medical record. Screenings for HIV and syphilis are an area for improvement among patients at risk for an STI who are seen in the ED. The integration of electronic EPT methods can help address the growing rates of STIs in the U.S. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Expedited Partner Therapy: A Multicomponent Initiative to Boost Provider Counseling.

Expedited partner therapy prescription remains low and highly variable throughout the United States, leading to frequent reinfections with Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae . We examined provider counseling on expedited partner therapy before and after an electronic smart tool-based initiative. In this quasi-experimental interrupted time-series study, we implemented an initiative of electronic smart tools and education for expedited partner therapy in March 2020. We reviewed the records of patients with chlamydia and/or gonorrhea at an urban, academic obstetrics and gynecology clinic in the preimplementation (March 2019-February 2020) and postimplementation (March 2020-February 2021) groups. Descriptive statistics and an interrupted time-series model were used to compare the percent of expedited partner therapy offered by clinicians to patients in each group. A total of 287 patient encounters were analyzed, 155 preintervention and 132 postintervention. An increase in expedited partner therapy counseling of 13% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2%-24%) was observed before the intervention (27.1% [42 of 155]) versus after the intervention (40.2% [53 of 132]). Significant increases in provider counseling were seen for patients who were single (15%; 95% CI, 3%-26%), 25 years or older (21%; 95% CI, 6%-37%), receiving public insurance (15%; 95% CI, 3%-27%), seen by a registered nurse (18%; 95% CI, 4%-32%), or seen for an obstetrics indication (21%; 95% CI, 4%-39%). No difference was seen in patients' acceptance of expedited partner therapy ( P = 1.00). A multicomponent initiative focused on electronic smart tools is effective at increasing provider counseling on expedited partner therapy. Further research to understand patient perceptions and acceptance of expedited partner therapy is critical.

A National Study of Expedited Partner Therapy Use in Emergency Departments: A Survey of Medical Director Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices.

Emergency departments (EDs) are the primary source of health care for many patients diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Expedited partner therapy (EPT), treating the partner of patients with STIs, is an evidence-based practice for patients who might not otherwise seek care. Little is known about the use of EPT in the ED. In a national survey, we describe ED medical directors' knowledge, attitudes, and practices of EPT. A cross-sectional survey of medical directors from academic EDs was conducted from July to September 2020 using the Academy of Academic Administrators of Emergency Medicine Benchmarking Group. Primary outcomes were EPT awareness, support, and use. The survey also examined barriers and facilitators. Forty-eight of 70 medical directors (69%) responded. Seventy-three percent were aware of EPT, but fewer knew how to prescribe it (38%), and only 19% of EDs had implemented EPT. Seventy-nine percent supported EPT and were more likely to if they were aware of EPT (89% vs. 54%; P = 0.01). Of nonimplementers, 41% thought EPT was feasible, and 56% thought departmental support would be likely. Emergency department directors were most concerned about legal liability, but a large proportion (44%) viewed preventing sequelae of untreated STIs as "extremely important." Emergency department medical directors expressed strong support for EPT and reasonable levels of feasibility for implementation but low utilization. Our findings highlight the need to identify mechanisms for EPT implementation in EDs.

Barriers to Expedited Partner Therapy

Expedited partner therapy is an intervention that was intended to address the growing public health crisis of sexually transmitted infections in the United States. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis infections are eligible for expedited partner treatment without a visit with a provider. Reduction of reinfection rates is key to reducing the incidence of poor gynecologic and reproductive outcomes along with the spread of infection among at-risk populations. Expedited partner therapy has been legalized federally, but not all states have adopted this method. The 46 states that have face additional clinical, social, and financial barriers to care.

Patient-Reported Experiences Filling Expedited Partner Therapy Prescriptions for Chlamydia, Including Recommendations for Mitigating Encountered Obstacles, New York City, 2019 to 2020.

Expedited partner therapy (EPT) is commonly provided by prescription. Multiple barriers to prescription-EPT have been described, although information on patient experiences with this practice is limited. We conducted telephone interviews from July 2019 to January 2020, with women aged 15 to 24 years who were reported to the New York City Department of Health with chlamydia and for whom a health care provider report indicated provision of prescription-EPT (patients). A standard questionnaire was used to explore patients' experiences with filling an EPT prescription for their most recent sex partner and included questions about factors that would make it easier to obtain EPT medication. A total of 425 young women were reported with chlamydia and indicated to have received prescription-EPT. We completed interviews with 245 of these patients (57.6%), of whom 204 affirmed receiving prescription-EPT (83.3%). Nearly all patients (193 of 204 [94.6%]) took actions to fill the EPT prescription (visited the pharmacy themselves (139 of 193 [72.0%]) or directed their partner to fill the prescription (54 of 193 [28.0%]). Among these patients, most reported obtaining medication (173 of 193 [89.6%]). A small number of patients reported ways to enhance EPT practices, including 22, 19, and 12 who reported factors related to payment, health care providers, and the pharmacy, respectively, that would make it easier to obtain medication. Patients highlighted the importance of reducing cost and increasing convenience. Most interviewed patients successfully filled EPT prescriptions. However, some patients encountered barriers during the process. Approaches to streamline EPT practices, such as provision of medication-EPT at the point of care, are critical.

Keeping It Legal: Empowering Physicians and Trainees Through the Creation of State-specific Legal Primers.

State policies on obstetrics and gynecology issues vary widely across the nation and dramatically affect the care physicians can offer depending on where they practice. A 2020 study demonstrates that many obstetrics and gynecology residents surveyed across the United States felt that their exposure to medical-legal topics was limited. The purpose of this initiative was to create legal primers on state-specific laws regarding obstetric and gynecologic care and evaluate their educational utility for residents and attendings across specialties. Ten primers with relevant Virginia state laws and their clinical relevance were created on the following topics: adolescent rights, emergency contraception, expedited partner therapy, mandatory reporting situations, close-in-age exemptions, medical students performing pelvic examinations, abortion, transgender rights, and paternity rights. The primers were presented to residents and attendings in obstetrics and gynecology, family medicine, and emergency medicine. Knowledge pretests and posttests were administered, with an opinion survey on comfort level of topics to assess usefulness of the primers. A total of 49 participants from obstetrics and gynecology and emergency medicine participated in the project. Participants from family medicine were presented the primers before data collection. The mean change in pretest-posttest scores was 3.6 of 10 (SD 1.8, P <.001). A total of 97.9% of participants found the primers very helpful or somewhat helpful. Participants reported an increased comfort level on all 10 topics after participating. Anecdotally, many residents and attendings referenced the primers afterward in clinical situations to guide their practice. State-specific legal primers are useful learning tools for understanding the nuances of laws regarding obstetric and gynecologic care. These primers can be used as quick resources for providers in difficult clinical situations. They can also be modified to reflect other state laws to reach a wider audience.

Determinants and prediction of Chlamydia trachomatis re-testing and re-infection within 1 year among heterosexuals with chlamydia attending a sexual health clinic.

Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI) globally, and re-infections are common. Current Australian guidelines recommend re-testing for chlamydia 3 months after treatment to identify possible re-infection. Patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) has been proposed to control chlamydia re-infection among heterosexuals. We aimed to identify determinants and the prediction of chlamydia re-testing and re-infection within 1 year among heterosexuals with chlamydia to identify potential PDPT candidates. Our baseline data included 5,806 heterosexuals with chlamydia aged ≥18 years and 2,070 re-tested for chlamydia within 1 year of their chlamydia diagnosis at the Melbourne Sexual Health Center from January 2, 2015, to May 15, 2020. We used routinely collected electronic health record (EHR) variables and machine-learning models to predict chlamydia re-testing and re-infection events. We also used logistic regression to investigate factors associated with chlamydia re-testing and re-infection. About 2,070 (36%) of 5,806 heterosexuals with chlamydia were re-tested for chlamydia within 1 year. Among those retested, 307 (15%) were re-infected. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that older age (≥35 years old), female, living with HIV, being a current sex worker, patient-delivered partner therapy users, and higher numbers of sex partners were associated with an increased chlamydia re-testing within 1 year. Multivariable logistic regression analysis also showed that younger age (18-24 years), male gender, and living with HIV were associated with an increased chlamydia re-infection within 1 year. The XGBoost model was the best model for predicting chlamydia re-testing and re-infection within 1 year among heterosexuals with chlamydia; however, machine learning approaches and these self-reported answers from clients did not provide a good predictive value (AUC < 60.0%). The low rate of chlamydia re-testing and high rate of chlamydia re-infection among heterosexuals with chlamydia highlights the need for further interventions. Better targeting of individuals more likely to be re-infected is needed to optimize the provision of PDPT and encourage the test of re-infection at 3 months.

Evaluation of Strategies to Improve Uptake of Expedited Partner Therapy for Chlamydia trachomatis Treatment in Minnesota: A Decision Analytic Model.

Addressing provider concerns about expedited partner therapy (EPT) legality and its potential risks would result in the most partners treated for chlamydia.EPT alerts and electronic EPT prescriptions may also streamline partner treatment.Provider education about the legality of EPT and its potential risks and training in counseling patients on EPT could also increase uptake.

An Advanced, Risk-Driven Sexual Health Curriculum for First-Year Internal Medicine Residents.

Despite recommendations for annual chlamydia screening for young, sexually active females, chlamydia rates continue to increase nationally. Medical school students often receive limited training in obtaining comprehensive, risk-based sexual histories, leading to less screening for sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs). Consequently, many internal medicine (IM) residents feel unprepared for advanced sexual history taking and site-specific STI testing based on sexual practices. We developed a case-based interactive didactic session for IM and med/peds residents. We focused on more advanced topics, such as comprehensive sexual history taking, secondary site testing for STIs, and patient counseling. Based on pre- and postcurriculum surveys, interns reported increases in comfort (scale: 1 = very low comfort, 5 = very high comfort) with counseling after positive STI results (Ms: pre = 2.9, post = 3.5, p < .01) and providing education on safe sex practices (Ms: pre = 3.0, post = 3.6, p < .01) and modest improvement in comfort with expedited partner therapy (EPT; Ms: pre = 2.1, post = 2.5, p = .06). An increase in self-reported confidence with collecting site-specific testing (composite Ms: pre = 2.7, post = 3.5, p < .01) was also seen. Percentage correct on knowledge questions increased from 48% to 78% postcurriculum (p = .01). This curriculum demonstrated improvement in knowledge and comfort with sexual history taking, STI screening, and counseling. Comfort also improved with EPT counseling, but not significantly, which could be addressed in future iterations of the curriculum.

Management of Chlamydia Cases in Australia (MoCCA): protocol for a non-randomised implementation and feasibility trial

IntroductionThe sexually transmitted infection chlamydia can cause significant complications, particularly among people with female reproductive organs. Optimal management includes timely and appropriate treatment, notifying and treating sexual partners, timely retesting...

Quality-Improvement Initiative for Expedited Partner Therapy Provision in an Obstetrics and Gynecology Office

(Abstracted from Obstet Gynecol 2022;140:305–310) Women of childbearing age are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility, and have other serious implications. Sexual partners of patients diagnosed with gonorrheal or chlamydial infections are at high risk of STIs.

189 Emergency Department Clinician Perspectives on a Pilot Emergency Department-Based Expedited Partner Therapy Program: A Qualitative Study

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have increased dramatically in the US over the past decade, with emergency departments (EDs) a key setting of care. Expedited partner therapy (EPT), the practice of treating a patient’s sexual partner without an evaluation of the partner, is effective at controlling STI spread and preventing recurrent infections. Despite these advantages, little is known about how to effectively implement EPT into ED practice. The purpose of this study was to examine ED clinician perceptions of EPT, perceived barriers and facilitators towards use, and ED implementation.