Integrated Models of HIV and STD Partner Services

Background:  Partner services (PS) refers to an array of services that should be offered to persons with HIV infection, syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydial infection and their partners. Partner notification, testing and other activities increase the availability of treatment and care thereby disrupting disease transmission. PS programs have varying levels of program collaboration and service integration (PCSI). PCSI is a mechanism for blending interrelated prevention strategies to facilitate comprehensive delivery of services.

Objectives:  To describe the models used by health departments for conducting PS and highlight examples of how utilizing PCSI as a strategy may increase emphasis on integration of services at the client level.

Methods:  The Program Evaluation Branch in the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention at CDC conducted variable crosswalks with health departments to review current data requirements. HIV and STD representatives were asked to describe their programs and identify which program was responsible for conducting PS in their jurisdiction.

Results:  The program descriptions revealed different methods to deliver PS; examples include:

• Integrated HIV/STD PS at the client level  
• PS provided by either the STD or HIV program
• Community-based organizations and health department partnerships
• Private sector involvement

Conclusions: CDC recommends collaboration between HIV surveillance and program activities to ensure that PS  is offered to all persons who test positive for HIV and early syphilis. Integrated models of PS that involve both HIV and STD programs or the community and healthcare providers have the potential to be highly effective in notifying partners and interrupting disease transmission.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and Research:  The extent to which a state or local program can integrate STD/HIV partner services may substantially influence the success of the services delivered and improve program effectiveness, thus meeting the goals of the PCSI strategy.