Patient preferences for partner notification

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Sexual Health

Background:

• Effective partner notification is crucial for controlling the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Understanding patient preferences for notification methods is essential for optimizing public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine patient preferences regarding how they wish to be notified about potential exposure to a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• To assess the acceptability of various partner notification methods among patients attending genitourinary clinics.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was administered to 2544 patients across three large genitourinary clinics in the United Kingdom.
• Data collected included demographic information and preferences for different STI partner notification strategies.

Main Results:

• Patient referral was the most favored method, with 65.8% rating it as 'good'.
• Letters were more acceptable than phone calls, text messages, or emails for provider-initiated partner notification.
• Patients preferred receiving a message asking them to contact the clinic over a direct notification of potential STI exposure.

Conclusions:

• Direct notification by a partner is considered the best method by most respondents.
• While traditional methods are preferred, a significant minority favor newer communication channels.
• Healthcare services must offer flexible partner notification options, considering the wording of communications, to enhance acceptability and effectiveness.