Expedited partner therapy: Investigating pharmacists' awareness and training needs in the Northeastern United States

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States are at an all-time high. Expedited partner therapy (EPT) has been endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent reinfection of patients and their partners. Although this practice is permissible in 46 states, including all of New England and New York, it is underutilized by prescribers and pharmacists.

To collect and analyze data on pharmacists' knowledge of EPT using a Web-based survey and to determine the best methods to deliver EPT continuing pharmacy education and related resources.

A link to a 26-question survey was sent through e-mail listservs, social media, and newsletters to members of pharmacists' associations in 6 New England states and New York. In addition to demographic information, the questions assessed pharmacists' familiarity with and awareness of EPT, their roles in using this clinical service, and options for type, length, and location of related training plus types of information resources that would be most helpful for them.

A total of 133 pharmacists completed the survey. Only 50% overall were familiar with EPT as a concept, and more than 80% of pharmacists did not know which STIs are covered by their state EPT regulations. However, 85% of pharmacists responded they believed they played a potential role in EPT. A majority responded that a less than 2-hour live webinar would be the best format for EPT education, in addition to other resources distributed from their respective state boards of pharmacy.

Pharmacists in the Northeastern United States lack overall awareness of EPT and how it is regulated. With continuing pharmacy education delivered in their preferred format, augmented by State Board of Pharmacy resources, pharmacists can play a critical role to facilitate access for patient and partner treatment of STIs.