Addressing Gaps in the Management of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Primary Care: Lessons Learned in a Pilot Intervention Study.

BACKGROUND

We aimed to test the acceptability and utility of strategies designed to facilitate the delivery of clinical best practice for patients diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea in primary care.

METHODS

A nonrandomized pilot intervention study with a historic control period was run over 9 months in six primary health care clinics (2 youth services, 3 low-fee clinics, and 1 student health service) in Wellington, New Zealand. "Study nurses" in participating clinics oversaw the implementation of strategies designed to facilitate partner notification and follow-up for patients diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea. Clinics chose which of 2 approaches they wished to trial-either managing all study processes themselves or drawing on the assistance of an external specialist sexual health advisor. Outcome measures included acceptability and utility of study processes ascertained via structured interviews with study nurses and collection of clinical data.

RESULTS

Outcomes for 287 patients seen during the intervention were compared with 240 historic controls. Participant views on study processes were positive overall, and all clinics intended to continue all or most of the study processes implemented. During the intervention, substantial improvements were observed in documented patient management (sexual history, partner notification, and outcomes, P < 0.05). Increases were observed in percentages of patients reached for follow-up (74% vs. 26% at baseline, P < 0.05) and partners reported to have been notified (79% vs. 23%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Nurse-led strategies implemented were deemed acceptable and appeared to facilitate delivery of best practice care for patients diagnosed with bacterial sexually transmitted infections in participating primary care practices.