Close contact experiences with invasive meningococcal disease contact tracing: Implications for practice

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Patient Experience Research

Background:

• Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) poses a significant public health concern.
• Understanding the experiences of close contacts is crucial for effective public health interventions.
• Contact tracing and chemoprophylaxis are key components of IMD management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of close contacts undergoing the IMD contact tracing process.
• To identify areas for improvement in communication and information delivery to close contacts.
• To inform public health strategies for managing close contacts of IMD cases.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semi-structured interviews with 26 close contacts of IMD cases.
• Participants sought antibiotic chemoprophylaxis, often within 24 hours at hospital emergency departments.
• Qualitative data analysis to understand participant perspectives and experiences.

Main Results:

• Contacts reported anxiety regarding IMD transmission despite prior knowledge and antibiotic use.
• Satisfaction with initial health department communication, but concerns about unidentified phone calls.
• Limited information provided at hospitals regarding antibiotic side effects and mechanism of action.

Conclusions:

• Public health responses need to address close contacts' anxiety and provide comprehensive information.
• Improved hospital-based communication about antibiotic chemoprophylaxis is recommended.
• Findings have implications for refining IMD management guidelines nationally and internationally.