Background:
inSPOT.org is a unique online STD partner notification (PN) system. A user can select one of six ecards to send to a sexual partner to notify them about possible exposure to an STD, including HIV. Cards can be sent anonymously or from a user's email address.

Objective:
To provide information on general usage of inSPOT.org .
To inform about the unique qualities of inSPOT.org as part of comprehensive PN efforts.


Method:
Preliminary evaluation of inSPOT.org included measures of site usage; street intercept surveys and provider surveys.

Result:
In 2005, there were over 93,000 visitors to the website. Almost 16,000 ecards were sent to 26,000 recipients: 14% notified about chlamydia, 17% gonorrhea, and 15% syphilis. 77% were sent anonymously, and 38% of recipients clicked for more information.
Results from 485 street intercept surveys with MSM found that 19% had heard of inSPOT and of those, 5% had used it to notify a partner and 4% had received an ecard. 73% of respondents said if they were diagnosed with an STD, they would consider sending an anonymous ecard.
Results from a survey of 46 local providers found that 26% had heard of inSPOT. Of those, 9% had referred a patient, and of the total respondents, 84% would do so in the future.


Conclusion:
inSPOT.org is a viable addition to the STD partner notification toolbox. More research is needed to determine the effect of inSPOT.org on PN behavior and testing trends. Comparison studies between in-person, provider-assisted, and online PN need to take place. Marketing efforts to both providers and community members are imperative to its success.

Implications:
inSPOT.org could be a cost-effective way to reach MSM at risk for STIs. More training is needed for public health departments in using the Internet as a tool for STD prevention and intervention.