Sexually Transmitted Infection Review for the Acute Care Pharmacist

Review selected sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and treatment recommendations for pharmacists and providers practicing in the acute care setting.

In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published an updated guideline on the treatment of STIs with an emphasis on prevention and new diagnostic strategies to combat the growing problem of STIs in the United States. Despite this guidance, the incidence of infection has continued to grow. In October 2016, an in-depth analysis reported that 20 million new infections occur annually in the United States. With this growing burden of disease, it is pertinent that health-care providers optimize their treatment strategies to improve upon the management of STIs. Focusing on identification of asymptomatic- and symptomatic-infected persons, treatment, education, effective follow-up, and counseling for patients and sexual partners, emergency medicine pharmacists and providers can help minimize the negative long-term health consequences of STIs.

In the emergency department setting, clinical pharmacists and providers can play a crucial role in preventing and treating STIs and should continue to expand and keep current their knowledge of this topic.