Improving Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Results Notification and Partner Services

The primary goal of this project is to improve the process for contacting patients that test positive for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the emergency department by using text messaging. We believe patients that are contacted by both a phone call and a text message will be reached more often and they will be reached sooner than those that only receive a phone call or only a text message. In addition, patients will be given reminder cards at the time of testing to remind them that they will be contacted within 7 days if they test positive. Half of the reminder cards will have a number to call for test results. We believe patients that receive a card with a number are more likely to be contacted within 7 days.

Aim 1: To improve the results notification system among all female adolescents who test positive for STIs in the ED using mobile phone texting technology. Hypothesis 1: We will increase our contact rate for STI positive adolescents in the ED from 65-82%. Hypothesis 2: We will decrease the time interval between testing and appropriate STI treatment by the ED. Hypothesis 3: We will decrease the recidivism rates for STI positive patients diagnosed in the ED. Aim 2: To explore qualitatively the barriers to and preferences for partner notification and treatment among 14-21 year-old females and males being tested for STIs in the ED. Aim 3: To determine baseline rates of partner notification and preferences around partner notification among STI-positive females in the ED, and to explore the feasibility of ED personnel notifying their sexual partners.

Patients receive a card to remind them of the time frame for results but and a number to call for results is listed

Inclusion Criteria: 14 to 21 years old Seen in the emergency department at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Test positive for an STI Exclusion Criteria: Seen for a psychiatric evaluation Seen for sexual assault or abuse