Evaluation of a population-based program of expedited partner therapy for gonorrhea and chlamydial infection

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate a partner notification program for gonorrhea and chlamydial infection that involves communitywide access to free patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) and use of case-report forms to triage patients to receive partner notification assistance.

Methods: We evaluated program components in randomly selected cases and compared outcomes before and after program institution.

Results: Following institution of the program, the percentage of cases who received PDPT from their diagnosing clinician increased from 5.6% to 16% (adjusted OR 3.2, 2.5-4.1). Among randomly selected cases, those referred to the health department via the case-report form were significantly more likely than nonreferred cases to have untreated sex partners (76% vs. 35%, OR 6.0, 95% CI 4.5-8.0), to accept PDPT from the health department (36% vs. 14%, 3.3, 95% CI 2.4-4.7), and to request that health department staff notify a partner for them (11% vs. 3%, OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.8-6.7). The percentage of cases classified as having all of their partners treated increased from 39% to 65% concurrent with institution of the program.

Conclusions: A public health program that promotes routine use of PDPT and referral of selected patients for partner notification assistance appears to have improved partner notification outcomes.