International Journal of STD & AIDS > Volume 20, Number 9 > Pp. 603-606

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Original research articles

Is accelerated partner therapy a feasible and acceptable strategy for rapid partner notification in the UK?: a qualitative study of genitourinary medicine clinic attenders

L Sutcliffe MSc RGN ^* , M G Brook MD FRCP , J L Chapman PhD ^*, J M Cassell MD FRCP  and C S Estcourt MD FRCP ^* 

^* Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London; Patrick Clements Clinic, Central Middlesex Hospital, Acton Lane, London NW10 7NS; Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Mayfield House Room 311, University of Brighton, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9PH; Infection and Immunity, Barts and the London NHS Trust, London, UK

Correspondence to: L Sutcliffe Email: l.j.sutcliffe{at}qmul.ac.uk

Partner notification (PN) in the UK is of limited effectiveness. Expedited partner therapy improves PN outcomes but does not comply with existing UK professional guidance. We developed two new strategies, known as accelerated partner therapy (APT), based on elements of PN practice for which there is evidence of efficacy, and which conform to UK prescribing guidance. We explored the acceptability and feasibility of these models qualitatively in genitourinary medicine clinic attenders. Both strategies were viewed favourably. Preference was influenced by age, relationship type, whether participants were delivering or receiving APT and whether the sex partner was aware of the participant's clinic visit. APT provides a new approach to PN, which has strong patient support and complies with existing UK regulations. The complex factors that influence patients' choice of PN method suggest that provision of a range of PN options including APT may be central to improving the effectiveness of PN in the UK.

Key Words: partner notification • accelerated partner therapy • STIs

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