Guidance on Expedited Partner Therapy: A Content Analysis of Informational Materials for Providers, Pharmacists, Patients, and Partners.

BACKGROUND

The rates of sexually transmitted infections have steadily increased in the United States over the last 5 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has endorsed the use of expedited partner therapy (EPT) as an evidence-based practice to prevent chlamydial reinfection in index patients and lower barriers to treatment for partners. State health departments release guidance on EPT for providers, but it is unclear if information is available for other key stakeholders, for example, pharmacists, patients, and partners. The primary objective of this study was to conduct a review of state and territory health department websites to ascertain the availability, readability, utility, and content of EPT informational materials.

METHODS

A content analysis of 84 EPT informational materials was conducted using validated tools to measure readability, adherence to design standards, and EPT content inclusion. Results were stratified for each target audience.

RESULTS

Only 64% of states where EPT is allowable had informational materials available. The materials targeted providers (51.2%) and partners (35.7%). Little information targeted pharmacists (7.1%) or index patients (4.8%). The average reading level was 11th grade. Mean design score was 9.57 points of a possible 13 points. Most provider and pharmacist materials did not meet the content criteria; index and partner materials did not thoroughly describe cost of EPT, how to communicate with sex partners about EPT/chlamydia, or how to fill an EPT prescription.

CONCLUSIONS

To better support the uptake of EPT, existing resources for EPT should be improved in their design, readability, content, and availability for all target audiences.