21st Century STD Prevention and Control: Empowering the Community with Internet-based Tools, San Francisco, 2007

Background:
In 1999 we recognized the importance of the Internet as a new means of sexual networking. We hypothesized that transferring traditional STD prevention and control activities to the Internet would potentially empower communities and be associated with improved sexual health.

Objective:
To describe the various Internet-based prevention, diagnosis and treatment tools in San Francisco and a successful collaboration between a local health department and community-based organization.

Method:
Through a process of initial brainstorming, community participation and continuous quality improvement, we developed and implemented multiple Internet-based prevention, diagnosis and treatment tools.

Result:
We created a new website (SFCityClinic.org), question and answer forum (Ask Dr. K), online information and education materials, targeted social marketing through banner advertisements, online syphilis test requisition system (STDTest.org), online partner notification system (InSpot.org) with electronic prescriptions for exposed partners for gonorrhea and chlamydia treatment, online prescriptions for Plan B emergency contraception and online test results for patients of the municipal STD clinic.

Conclusion:
Internet-based STD prevention, diagnosis and treatment tools can be developed through a process using experts in public health, sexual health and computer programming. While the impact on STD incidence remains unknown, the consistent and high user rates of the different sites, suggest persons value and benefit from enhanced access through the Internet to traditional STD prevention and control tools.

Implications:
Using innovation to update traditional STD prevention and control tools may improve sexual health. Further evaluation on the impact of those tools on STD control is warranted