An observational study of the acceptability of patient-delivered partner therapy for management of chlamydia.

Partners of heterosexual cases with chlamydia, who were identified as having difficulty in attending the clinic, were offered patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT). Medication was delivered by the index case after telephone consultation with the partner to assess symptoms and medical history. The opportunity for testing of partners for chlamydia was provided. The PDPT process was evaluated by standardised phone interview with index patients and partners. Telephone consultation enables safe medication prescribing and an opportunity for further contact tracing. Partners were unlikely to seek testing when provided with PDPT. Delivery of medication resulted in a reported rate of treatment of 100%. PDPT was an acceptable treatment option to both index and partner and should be considered if legislation permits.