Evaluation of An On-Line Partner Notification Program

Background: Internet-based programs for STI/HIV partner notification have generated considerable interest as public health interventions; yet data are lacking to support widespread dissemination. We report on a clinic-based and website evaluation of the Colorado inSPOT online partner notification program.

Objectives: To assess the utility of the Colorado inSPOT online partner notification program using a clinic-based and website evaluation.

Methods: Clinic-based surveys were conducted at a large urban STI clinic before and after the implementation of feasible clinic interventions as well as non-clinic campaigns to promote the use of inSPOT Colorado. Questions assessed recognition and use of the site. Website statistics were provided by the inSPOT service, including the number of site hits, e-cards sent, and specific STI exposures identified on the card.

Results: Recognition and use of the inSPOT service among STI clinic patients remained low (<5%) despite the interventions. Site statistics demonstrated an immediate but quickly diminishing response after placement of a banner ad on a popular gay website. Newspaper advertisements and radio public service announcements showed small increases in website use. Analysis of STI’s specified on the e-cards, showed scabies and pediculosis as the most-identified STIs, accounting for nearly 30% of all e-cards sent. Clinic survey data indicated that when respondents were faced with the hypothetical situation of being diagnosed with an STI, over 90% would notify partners in person; only 5% would use e-mail or the Internet.

Conclusions: Our data did not support the utility of the inSPOT intervention among a predominantly heterosexual population in a large urban STI clinic. Alternatively, our interventions may have fallen short of generating substantial interest in use of the program among our clinic patients.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and/or Research: Health agencies assessing the feasibility of using online partner notification programs may want to consider how such programs fit within their larger STD/HIV prevention strategy.