Partnercare.Org: Expedited Partner Treatment Implementation Resources, Research, and Some Just-In-Time Assistance

Background:  Expedited partner therapy (EPT) is a valuable tool in the treatment and prevention of bacteriological STI. As adoption moves beyond early stage innovators, the need for training and implementation resources becomes paramount. However, although many organizations have created their own implementation materials, consistency is lacking, public health agencies and providers are often left to their own devices in generating provider and patient tools and materials, and there has been no single repository of training and support tools.

Objectives:  This project sought to gather and also to generate EPT support resources, to create a web-based portal for public access, and to provide tailoring and technical assistance to state, local and private organizations and providers in diverse practice settings.

Methods:  Development of baseline resources occurred through an iterative, user-centered process.  A panel of subject-matter expects, CDC personnel, and high performing practitioners provided content and ongoing review. Tailoring for different states and local agencies is ongoing and has followed a similar process.

Results:  After several rounds of testing, the effort created a easy-to-remember, patient-friendly, “brand” for EPT: Partner Care, a web-based portal, <i>partnercare.org</i>, a video case study of implementation at a clinic, patient information sheets for both patients and partners, model patient-partner interactions and short-animated informational segments on key EPT-related topics. Some training, technical assistance, and tailoring is available free of charge through 2012.

Conclusions:  The partnercare resources have been well-received by researchers and practitioners. The developed portal supports EPT implementation at the provider and patient levels. The presentation will demonstrate the freely available resources, discuss uses, implications and next steps.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and Research:  Increasing awareness and use of the site and its resources should improve overall EPT adoption and implementation rates.