1
|
Haines HM, Fields EL, Alvarenga A, Yang Y, Shorrock F, Reed C, Armington G, Gaydos CA, Manabe YC, Arrington-Sanders R. Improving Access to Care Through Youth-Focused Virtual Sexual Health Navigation. J Adolesc Health 2024; 75:155-161. [PMID: 38597840 PMCID: PMC11180585 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gender and sexually diverse adolescents and young adults in Baltimore City, Maryland, are disproportionately impacted by HIV. The Virtual and Online Integrated Sexual Health Services for Youth program is a health navigation program which combines virtual sexual health service delivery and health navigation to link youth at risk for HIV acquisition to HIV testing/prevention and sexual healthcare services. METHODS Youth between 13 and 26 years old and residing in the Baltimore area were eligible to participate in the program. Demographic and engagement data from 238 youth (average age 21.4, SD = 2.5) who requested navigation were collected and recorded in a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-secure medical database and examined for associations between demographics, referral source, and the number of navigational services to which they were linked. Focused populations were defined as residents of high HIV prevalence zip codes who identify as sexual and gender diverse youth. RESULTS Receipt of navigational services was significantly associated with self-identifying as sexually diverse. A multivariate regression revealed a significant association between the count of navigational services a youth was linked to and recording one's sexual orientation, identifying as a cisgender male, and residing in a high HIV-prevalence zip code. DISCUSSION Virtual health navigation has the potential to engage priority populations, including sexual and gender diverse youth. By refining linkage and identification approaches to health navigation, future outreach attempts can be tailored to support vulnerable communities, with the potential to improve sexual healthcare access.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haley M Haines
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Errol L Fields
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Aubrey Alvarenga
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yeng Yang
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Fiona Shorrock
- Johns Hopkins Hospital Children's Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Christopher Reed
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gretchen Armington
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Charlotte A Gaydos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yukari C Manabe
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Renata Arrington-Sanders
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Craig-Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gautam R, Orrino J. Improving chlamydia risk screening by using the CDC's 5 Ps approach to sexual health history. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract 2023; 35:441-448. [PMID: 36728254 DOI: 10.1097/jxx.0000000000000829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia trachomatis is infecting service members (SMs) at a rate of two to three times that of the U.S. population. Currently, the military only screens female SMs under the age of 25 years, leaving many at-risk males to go undetected leading to further transmission. LOCAL PROBLEM Service members are not routinely assessed for high-risk sexual activities, leading to increased chlamydia rate in Fort Bragg. At the primary care project site, screening was only done per HEDIS measure leading to only 5% STI positivity rate. The purpose of this project was to identify and screen SMs who are at high risk for chlamydia using the CDC's 5 Ps approach. METHODS This project took place at a large primary care clinic that only cared for active-duty soldiers over a 3-month period. INTERVENTIONS The CDC's 5 Ps questionnaire was administered to SMs 30 years and younger during routine appointments. The SMs deemed high risk from the questionnaire were screened using urine G/C NAAT testing. RESULTS Four hundred forty-nine SMs were assessed using the CDC's 5 Ps approach. The questionnaire identified 91 SMs (20%) at higher risk for STIs. Of the 45 urine samples submitted, six were positive for STIs. Of the six positive cases, five were male. Targeted screening resulted in 13.3% positive rate compared with the 5% in the current practice. CONCLUSION The result suggests that targeted screening of young males and females can identify high-risk sexual behaviors leading to increased findings of asymptomatic chlamydia carriers, ultimately leading to decreased chlamydia incidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Gautam
- Sledgehammer Troop Medical Clinic, Fort Benning, Georgia
| | - Jacob Orrino
- Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Thomas-Smith S, Klein EJ, Strelitz B, Jensen J, Parker E, Richardson L, McCarty CA, Shafii T. Electronic Screening for Adolescent Risk Behaviors in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Controlled Trial. West J Emerg Med 2022; 23:931-938. [PMID: 36409949 PMCID: PMC9683771 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2022.7.55755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this study we aimed to assess the impact of an electronic health assessment with individualized feedback for risk behaviors in adolescents seeking care in a pediatric emergency department (ED). METHODS We conducted a randomized control trial using a tablet-based screening program with a study population of adolescents in a busy pediatric ED. The intervention group received the screening program with individualized feedback. The control group received the screening program without feedback. All participants received one-day and three-month follow-up surveys to assess behaviors and attitudes toward health behaviors. RESULTS A total of 296 subjects were enrolled and randomized. There was no difference in changes in risky behaviors between the control and experimental groups. A higher proportion of participants in the intervention groups reported that the screener changed the way they thought about their health at one-day follow-up (27.0%, 36/133) compared to the control group (15.5%, 20/129, P = .02). CONCLUSION This study successfully tested a multivariable electronic health screener in a real-world setting of a busy pediatric ED. The tool did not significantly change risky health behaviors in the adolescent population screened. However, our finding that the intervention changed adolescents' perceptions of their health opens a door to the continued development of electronic interventions to screen for and target risk behaviors in adolescents in the ED setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan Thomas-Smith
- University of Washington, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Eileen J Klein
- University of Washington, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Bonnie Strelitz
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jennifer Jensen
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Elizabeth Parker
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Laura Richardson
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Carolyn A McCarty
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Taraneh Shafii
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ahmad FA, Fischer K, Gu H, Bailey TC, Jeffe DB, Carpenter CR, Payne PRO. Impact of risk-based sexually transmitted infection screening in the emergency department. Acad Emerg Med 2022; 29:879-889. [PMID: 35184344 PMCID: PMC10648282 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pose a significant health burden in adolescents. Many adolescents receiving care in the emergency department (ED) are in need of testing, regardless of their chief complaint. Our objective was to determine whether an electronic, risk-based STI screening program in our ED was associated with an increase in STI testing among at-risk adolescents. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patient outcomes in our pediatric ED after integrating an Audio-enhanced Computer-Assisted Self-Interview (ACASI) as standard of care. It obtained a focused sexual history and generated STI testing recommendations. Patient answers and testing recommendations were integrated in real-time into the electronic health record. Patients who tested positive received treatment according to our standard-of-care practices. All patients 15-21 years of age were asked to complete this on an opt-out basis, regardless of the reason for their ED visit. Exclusions included those unable to independently use a tablet, severe illness, sexual assault, or non-English speaking. Our primary outcome was to describe STI-testing recommendations and test results among ACASI participants. We also compared STI testing between ACASI participants and those who were eligible but did not use it. RESULTS In the first 13 months, 28.9% (1788/6194) of eligible adolescents completed the ACASI and 44.2% (321/790) accepted recommended STI testing. The mean age of participants was 16.6 ± 1.3 years, with 65.4% (1169) being female. Gonorrhea/chlamydia testing was significantly higher among participants vs. non-participants (20.1% [359/1788] vs 4.8% [212/4406]; p < 0.0001). The proportion of positive STI tests was similar between the two groups: 24.8% (89/359) vs. 24.5% (52/212; p = 0.94) were positive for chlamydia and/or gonorrhea, while 0.6% (2/354) participants vs. 0% non-participants (p > 0.99) were positive for HIV. Among participants whose chief complaints were unlikely to be related to STIs but accepted recommended testing, 20.9% (37/177) were positive for gonorrhea or chlamydia. CONCLUSIONS Our program facilitated STI testing in the ED and identified many adolescents with STIs, even when their ED complaint was for unrelated reasons. More rigorous implementation is needed to determine the impact of deployment of ACASI to all eligible adolescents and addressing barriers to accepting STI testing recommendations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fahd A Ahmad
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kayleigh Fischer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hongjie Gu
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Thomas C Bailey
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Donna B Jeffe
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Christopher R Carpenter
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Philip R O Payne
- Institute for Informatics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Aluisio AR, Lim RK, Tang OY, Sugut J, Kinuthia J, Bosire R, Guthrie KM, Katz DA, Farquhar C, Mello MJ. Acceptability and uptake of HIV self-testing in emergency care settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acad Emerg Med 2022; 29:95-104. [PMID: 34133822 PMCID: PMC8674381 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency departments (ED) interface with large numbers of patients that are often missed by conventional HIV testing approaches. ED-based HIV self-testing (HIVST) is an innovative engagement approach which has potential for testing gains among populations that have failed to be reached. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated acceptability and uptake of HIVST, as compared to standard provider-delivered testing approaches, among patients seeking care in ED settings. METHODS Six electronic databases were systematically searched (Dates: January 1990-May 2021). Reports with data on HIVST acceptability and/or testing uptake in ED settings were included. Two reviewers identified eligible records (κ= 0.84); quality was assessed using formalized criteria. Acceptability and testing uptake metrics were summarized, and pooled estimates were calculated using random-effects models with assessments of heterogeneity. RESULTS Of 5773 records identified, seven met inclusion criteria. The cumulative sample was 1942 subjects, drawn from three randomized control trials (RCTs) and four cross-sectional studies. Four reports assessed HIVST acceptability. Pooled acceptability of self-testing was 92.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 88.0%-97.1%). Data from two RCTs demonstrated that HIVST significantly increased testing uptake as compared to standard programs (risk ratio [RR] = 4.41, 95% CI: 1.95-10.10, I2 = 25.8%). Overall, the quality of evidence was low (42.9%) or very low (42.9%), with one report of moderate quality (14.2%). CONCLUSIONS Available data indicate that HIVST may be acceptable and may increase testing among patients seeking emergency care, suggesting that expanding ED-based HIVST programs could enhance HIV diagnosis. However, given the limitations of the reports, additional research is needed to better inform the evidence base.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam R. Aluisio
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School of
Brown University, Providence, USA
| | | | - Oliver Y. Tang
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence,
USA
| | - Janet Sugut
- Department of Accident and Emergency, Kenyatta National
Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Kinuthia
- Department of Research & Programs, Kenyatta National
Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rose Bosire
- Center for Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research
Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kate M. Guthrie
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical
School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - David A. Katz
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington,
Seattle, US
| | - Carey Farquhar
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington,
Seattle, US
- Department Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle,
USA
- Department Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle,
USA
| | - Michael J. Mello
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School of
Brown University, Providence, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pfaff N, DaSilva A, Ozer E, Vemula Kaiser S. Adolescent Risk Behavior Screening and Interventions in Hospital Settings: A Scoping Review. Pediatrics 2021; 147:peds.2020-020610. [PMID: 33785635 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-020610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Risky behaviors are the main threats to adolescents' health; consequently, evidence-based guidelines recommend annual comprehensive risk behavior screening. OBJECTIVE To review studies of adolescent risk behavior screening and interventions in urgent care, emergency department (ED), and hospital settings. DATA SOURCES Our data sources included PubMed (1965-2019) and Embase (1947-2019). STUDY SELECTION Studies were included on the basis of population (adolescents aged 10-25 years), topic (risk behavior screening or intervention), and setting (urgent care, ED, or hospital). Studies were excluded if they involved younger children or adults or only included previously identified high-risk adolescents. DATA EXTRACTION Data extracted were risk behavior screening rates, screening and intervention tools, and attitudes toward screening and intervention. RESULTS Forty-six studies were included; most (38 of 46) took place in the ED, and a single risk behavior domain was examined (sexual health [19 of 46], mood and suicidal ideation [12 of 46], substance use [7 of 46], and violence [2 of 46]). In 6 studies, authors examined comprehensive risk behavior screening, demonstrating low rates at baseline (∼10%) but significant increases with clinician reminder implementation. Adolescents and clinicians were highly accepting of risk behavior screening in all settings and preferred electronic screening over a face-to-face interview. Reported barriers were time constraints and limited resources. LIMITATIONS Only 1 included study was a randomized controlled trial, and there was large heterogeneity of included studies, potentially limiting generalizability. CONCLUSIONS Rates of adolescent risk behavior screening are low in urgent care, ED, and hospital settings. Our findings outline promising tools for improving screening and intervention, highlighting the critical need for continued development and testing of interventions in these settings to improve adolescent care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elizabeth Ozer
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine.,Office of Diversity and Outreach, and
| | - Sunitha Vemula Kaiser
- Departments of Pediatrics and.,Epidemiology and Biostatistics.,Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fischer K, Chernick LS. Contraception Provision in the Emergency Department: Are We Ready to Overcome the Obstacles? J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2020; 29:603-604. [DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2020.8294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kayleigh Fischer
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Lauren S. Chernick
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Emergency Department Directors Are Willing to Expand Reproductive Health Services for Adolescents. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2019; 32:170-174. [PMID: 30339833 PMCID: PMC6401284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Nearly 20 million adolescents receive emergency department (ED) care each year, many of whom have untreated reproductive health issues. ED visits represent an opportunity to provide appropriate care, however, ED physician reproductive health care practices and capabilities in the United States have not been described. We sought to characterize pediatric ED director's individual practice and ED system resources for providing adolescent reproductive health care. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTIONS We invited pediatric ED division and/or medical directors nationally to participate in an anonymous, online survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Outcomes included ED directors' personal practice regarding providing adolescent patients reproductive health care, and their ED's resources and standard practice regarding screening adolescents for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other reproductive health concerns. RESULTS One hundred thirty-five of 442 (30.5%) ED directors responded. Respondents were 73% (90/124) male, with a median of 18 (interquartile range, 13-23) years of experience and 63% (84/134) working in urban EDs. Seventy-one percent (90/130) preferred face-to-face interviews for obtaining a sexual history, but only 59% (77/130) of participants "always ask parents to leave the room for sensitive questions." Eighty-four percent (106/127) were receptive to pregnancy prevention interventions being initiated in the ED, with 75% (80/106) of those willing to provide an intervention. Only 16% (21/128) indicated their ED has a universal STI screening program, and only 18% (23/126) "always" successfully notify patients of a positive STI test. CONCLUSION ED directors are comfortable providing adolescent reproductive health care, and many individual- and ED-level opportunities exist to provide improved reproductive health care for adolescents in the ED.
Collapse
|