Maximizing the Utility of the Internet for DIS Partner Services in Massachusetts

Background: In Massachusetts, approximately 49% of interviewed MSM syphilis index cases report using the Internet to find sexual partners. 

Objectives: To describe how IPN is a viable tool for locating and notifying sexual partners of exposure with the goal of providing referrals for medical evaluation in situations where there is no other partner contact information.   

Methods: IPN is typically reserved for partners with limited contact information where, in lieu of IPN, these partners would be labeled by CDC as “Marginal” and lost to follow-up.  The process of IPN consists of a series of standardized messages and encourages phone communication with DIS staff.  Many notified partners will solicit assistance from DIS, resulting in partner identification and documented medical evaluation.  IPN also allows additional partners to communicate anonymously online with DIS to receive exposure-specific information and recommendations for medical evaluation.  Although outcomes in this second group cannot be documented, communication indicates many receive medical evaluations.

Results: In 2008, MDPH performed approximately 133 Internet notifications.  Of these, 39 (29%) received a DPH-documented medical evaluation and appropriate follow-up, and an additional 37 (28%) responded to communication with DIS, received STD exposure information, and/or indicated that they would be seeking medical evaluation on their own.  (All are partners that would not have been contacted about their exposure without MDPH’s IPN program). 

Conclusions: A significant number of sexual partners were elicited from index syphilis cases.  These partners had minimal contact information (typically an online screen name only).  Prior to implementation of an IPN protocol, DIS would not have been able to contact these marginal partners.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and/or Research: A large number of MSM are meeting sexual partners online.  IPN is a viable form of partner notification and states should expand DIS partner services to include this mode of notification in lieu of loosing partners to follow-up.