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Taylor C, Ratnayake A, Lederer A, Gomes G, He H, Kissinger PJ. Ability to Recontact Sex Partners and Partner Treatment Success Among Young Heterosexual Black Men With Chlamydia. J Adolesc Health 2024; 75:673-679. [PMID: 39066755 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) allows index patients who test positive for Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) to provide treatment to partners directly. PDPT is contingent upon an index being able to contact their partner. The aims of this study were to assess factors related to being able to contact a partner and being able to successfully deliver their treatment. METHODS Participants were Black men who have sex with women aged 15-26 enrolled in a community Ct screening/treatment program in New Orleans, LA who tested positive for Ct and completed a computer-assisted survey. Factors associated with the index's ability to contact their recent sex partner(s) and to successfully deliver PDPT to his partner(s) were compared by characteristics of the relationship. RESULTS Of 104 young men who tested positive for Ct, the median age was 20.3 years and information was reported on 184 female partners, of whom 143 (77.7%) were deemed contactable by the index. Only the index wanting to have sex with the partner again was significantly associated with their ability to contact the partner (odds ratio [OR] 5.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.18, 13.23). Only 72/184 (39.1%) partners received PDPT. The index being interested in sex with partner again (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.23-5.27) was associated with greater odds of successful PDPT delivery whereas if index believed their partner had other partners, successful PDPT was less likely (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.26-0.99). There was low agreement between an index's ability to contact their partner and the delivery of PDPT (kappa = 0.04 [-0.062, 0.143). DISCUSSION Asking patients if they can recontact prior sexual parters may be insufficient to ensure that their partners receive PDPT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Taylor
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Aneeka Ratnayake
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Alyssa Lederer
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Gérard Gomes
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Hua He
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Patricia J Kissinger
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana.
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Leiss M, Wangu Z, Bratberg J, Matson KL. Expedited Partner Therapy: Investigating Pharmacists’ Awareness and Training Needs in the Northeastern US. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2022; 62:1860-1864. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Dhital R, Sakulwach S, Robert G, Vasilikou C, Sin J. Systematic review on the effects of the physical and social aspects of community pharmacy spaces on service users and staff. Perspect Public Health 2022; 142:77-93. [PMID: 35274562 PMCID: PMC8918882 DOI: 10.1177/17579139221080608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aim: This systematic review aimed to provide new insights into how pharmacy spaces, or the architecture of pharmacies, are experienced by pharmacy service users and staff. The review sought to identify environmental factors which may influence service users’ and staff participation in community-based pharmacy health services. Method: Ten databases were searched for English language publications, using a combination of search terms relating to pharmacy service users and staff; pharmacy spaces; and health and social care outcomes. Data from the final selected studies were extracted, thematically analysed using a narrative approach and the quality of each study assessed using the Integrated quality Criteria for the Review of Multiple Study designs (ICROMS). Results: 80 articles reporting 80 studies published between 1994 and 2020 were identified; they were from 28 countries, involving around 3234 community pharmacies, 13,615 pharmacy service users, 5056 pharmacists and 78 pharmacy health staff. Most studies (94%) met the ICROMS minimum score, and half did not meet the mandatory quality criteria. Four themes likely to influence service users’ and staff experiences of pharmacy health services were identified: (1) privacy; (2) experience of the physical environment; (3) professional image; and (4) risk of error. Conclusion: To optimise the delivery and experience of pharmacy health services, these spaces should be made more engaging. Future applied research could focus on optimising inclusive pharmacy design features.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Dhital
- Arts and Sciences Department, University College London, 33-35 Torrington Place, London WC1E 7LA, UK
| | | | - G Robert
- King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - J Sin
- University of London, London, UK
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Layton E, Goller JL, Coombe J, Temple-Smith M, Tomnay J, Vaisey A, Hocking JS. 'It's literally giving them a solution in their hands': the views of young Australians towards patient-delivered partner therapy for treating chlamydia. Sex Transm Infect 2021; 97:256-260. [PMID: 33441448 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) is a method for providing antibiotic treatment for the sexual partners of an index patient with an STI by means of a prescription or medication that the index patient gives to their sexual partner(s). Qualitative research regarding barriers and enablers to PDPT has largely focused on the views of healthcare providers. In this study, we sought to investigate the views of young people (as potential health consumers) regarding PDPT for chlamydia. METHODS Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with young Australian men and women. Participants were asked to provide their views regarding PDPT from the perspective of both an index patient and partner. Purposive and snowball sampling was used. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS We interviewed 22 people (13 women, 9 men) aged 18-30 years, 15 of whom had previously been tested for chlamydia. Despite none having previous knowledge of or experience using PDPT, all viewed it positively and thought it should be widely available. Participants reported that they would be willing to give PDPT to their sexual partners in situations where trust and comfort had been established, regardless of the relationship type. Protecting their partners' privacy was essential, with participants expressing reluctance to provide their partners' contact details to a doctor without consent. Beyond logistical benefits, PDPT was viewed as a facilitator to partner notification conversations by offering partners a potential solution. However, most interviewees indicated a preference to consult with a healthcare provider (GP or pharmacist) before taking PDPT medication. Participants indicated that legitimacy of information when navigating a chlamydia diagnosis was crucial and was preferably offered by healthcare providers. CONCLUSIONS Though PDPT is unlikely to fully replace partners' interactions with healthcare providers, it may facilitate partner notification conversations and provide partners greater choice on how, when and where they are treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elly Layton
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane L Goller
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Coombe
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Meredith Temple-Smith
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane Tomnay
- Centre for Excellence in Rural Sexual Health, University of Melbourne, Shepparton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alaina Vaisey
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
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Woodward SC, Tyson HA, Martin SJ. An observational study of the acceptability of patient-delivered partner therapy for management of chlamydia. Sex Health 2020; 17:381-383. [PMID: 32843134 DOI: 10.1071/sh20094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Partners of heterosexual cases with chlamydia, who were identified as having difficulty in attending the clinic, were offered patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT). Medication was delivered by the index case after telephone consultation with the partner to assess symptoms and medical history. The opportunity for testing of partners for chlamydia was provided. The PDPT process was evaluated by standardised phone interview with index patients and partners. Telephone consultation enables safe medication prescribing and an opportunity for further contact tracing. Partners were unlikely to seek testing when provided with PDPT. Delivery of medication resulted in a reported rate of treatment of 100%. PDPT was an acceptable treatment option to both index and partner and should be considered if legislation permits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hayley A Tyson
- Canberra Sexual Health Centre, PO Box 11, Woden, ACT 2606, Australia; and Medical School, Australian National University, Building 4, The Canberra Hospital, Yamba Drive, Garran, ACT 2605, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| | - Sarah J Martin
- Canberra Sexual Health Centre, PO Box 11, Woden, ACT 2606, Australia; and Medical School, Australian National University, Building 4, The Canberra Hospital, Yamba Drive, Garran, ACT 2605, Australia
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Goller JL, Coombe J, Bourne C, Bateson D, Temple-Smith M, Tomnay J, Vaisey A, Chen MY, O Donnell H, Groos A, Sanci L, Hocking J. Patient-delivered partner therapy for chlamydia in Australia: can it become part of routine care? Sex Health 2020; 17:321-329. [PMID: 32741430 DOI: 10.1071/sh20024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) is a method for an index patient to give treatment for genital chlamydia to their sexual partner(s) directly. In Australia, PDPT is considered suitable for heterosexual partners of men and women, but is not uniformly endorsed. We explored the policy environment for PDPT in Australia and considered how PDPT might become a routine option. METHODS Structured interviews were conducted with 10 key informants (KIs) representing six of eight Australian jurisdictions and documents relevant to PDPT were appraised. Interview transcripts and documents were analysed together, drawing on KIs' understanding of their jurisdiction to explore our research topics, namely the current context for PDPT, challenges, and actions needed for PDPT to become routine. RESULTS PDPT was allowable in three jurisdictions (Victoria, New South Wales, Northern Territory) where State governments have formally supported PDPT. In three jurisdictions (Western Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania), KIs viewed PDPT as potentially allowable under relevant prescribing regulations; however, no guidance was available. Concern about antimicrobial stewardship precluded PDPT inclusion in the South Australian strategy. For Queensland, KIs viewed PDPT as not allowable under current prescribing regulations and, although a Medicine and Poisons Act was passed in 2019, it is unclear if PDPT will be possible under new regulations. Clarifying the doctor-partner treating relationship and clinical guidance within a care standard were viewed as crucial for PDPT uptake, irrespective of regulatory contexts. CONCLUSION Endorsement and guidance are essential so doctors can confidently and routinely offer PDPT in respect to professional standards and regulatory requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane L Goller
- Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| | - Jacqueline Coombe
- Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia
| | - Christopher Bourne
- NSW STI Programs Unit, NSW Ministry of Health, NSW 2010, Australia; and Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia
| | | | | | - Jane Tomnay
- Centre for Excellence in Rural Sexual Health, Department of Rural Health, The University of Melbourne, Vic. 3630, Australia
| | - Alaina Vaisey
- Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia
| | - Marcus Y Chen
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia; and Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia
| | - Heather O Donnell
- Victorian Government, Department of Health and Human Services, Vic. 3000, Australia
| | - Anita Groos
- Communicable Diseases Branch, Queensland Department of Health, Brisbane, Qld 4006, Australia
| | - Lena Sanci
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia
| | - Jane Hocking
- Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia
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Gallego G, Nørgaard LS. Qualitative Methods in Pharmacy Research. PHARMACY 2018; 6:E79. [PMID: 30072586 PMCID: PMC6163468 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy6030079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past years, there has been an increase in the use of qualitative methods in health services research, including pharmacy research. Pharmacy practice researchers can use these methods to understand, explain, discover, and explore both patients' and health care practitioners' thoughts, perceptions, and feelings. Qualitative research can also be used for the "democratisation" of research methods through research that is inclusive, collaborative, and involves partnerships and co-production. There is a wide spectrum of qualitative research methods that might be used in pharmacy research. This Special Issue showcases five articles in different settings and countries with diverse participants that seek to develop, explore, describe, and identify. These articles provide further insights into important pharmacy questions with the ultimate goal of helping improve health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisselle Gallego
- School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame, Australia, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia.
| | - Lotte Stig Nørgaard
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark.
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