Trends in Performance: STD Program Performance Measures 2005-2008

Background: ^{In 1999 CDC started developing Performance Measures and Project Areas have reported on the measures continuously since 2005.}

Objectives: ^{To describe changes in performance on Performance Measures.}

Methods:  ^{58 Project Areas are asked to report on a total of 16 measures once or twice yearly depending on the measure. The measures indicate the ‘timeliness’ of interviews, treatment, and screening in certain venues for P&S Syphilis, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Other measures include the ‘completeness’ and ‘timeliness’ of reporting for P&S, Early Latent, Congenital Syphilis, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia.}

Results: ^{58 Project Areas are reporting on the measures. The mean %’s of P&S Syphilis interviews completed within 14 days of specimen collection reported in 6 month intervals from 2005 through 2008 were: 48, 49, 48, 47, 41, 46, 48, and 49%. The mean number of contacts to P&S Syphilis treated (per 100 cases) within 14 days of specimen collection for the 4 year time period equaled: 40, 37, 37, 35, 30, 37, 37, and 35. The mean %’s with documented treatment for Chlamydia in Family Planning clinics within 14 days of diagnosis were: 59, 64, 66, 64, 64, 64, 64, and 69%. The mean %’s with documented treatment for gonorrhea in Family Planning clinics within 14 days of diagnosis were: 55, 65, 67, 65, 65, 64, 62, and 69. The mean %’s of Juvenile detainees screened for Chlamydia were: 57, 52, 58, 59, 59, 45, 51 and 56. Additional measures illustrate more of the same with stagnant levels of performance nationally.}

Conclusions: ^{Project Areas reports on Performance Measures from 2005-2008 indicate flat performance nationally with no discernable program improvement.}

Implications for Programs, Policy, and/or Research: ^{Additional interventions are needed in order to improve performance.}