Pediatric emergency department provider perceptions of universal sexually transmitted infection screening

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• Public Health
• Adolescent Healthcare

Background:

• Undiagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose significant health risks to adolescents.
• Pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) are potential settings for STI screening and early intervention.
• Implementing universal STI screening requires understanding provider perceptions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore pediatric emergency care providers' perceptions of implementing universal STI screening for adolescent females.
• To identify provider attitudes, barriers, and potential solutions related to universal STI screening in a PED.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive qualitative design utilizing semi-structured interviews.
• Convenience sample of physicians and nurses in a large urban pediatric teaching hospital.
• Modified constant comparative analysis of interview transcripts.

Main Results:

• Three key themes emerged: provider attitudes, identified barriers, and proposed solutions.
• Providers recognized the potential of universal screening for early STI detection.
• Barriers included time constraints, resource limitations, and patient-provider communication challenges.

Conclusions:

• Universal STI screening in PEDs is a viable strategy for identifying undiagnosed infections in adolescent females.
• Addressing provider attitudes and overcoming implementation barriers are crucial for successful program integration.
• Further research is needed to optimize screening protocols and support providers.