Partner notification by family physicians for sexually transmitted infections

Objective

To explore Canadian FPs’ experiences with, perceived barriers to, and perceived facilitators of FP-initiated partner notification (PN) for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as to inform the development of tools that might enhance this work.

Design

Online survey.

Setting

British Columbia.

Participants

A total of 146 FPs recruited through the Divisions of Family Practice community-based networks of FPs throughout the province.

Main outcome measures

Family physicians’ current STI and PN practices, opinions regarding FP-initiated PN, perceived barriers to and facilitators of FP-initiated PN, and preferred PN resources.

Results

More than 90% of FPs had diagnosed an STI within the past year, and most (60.3% to 96.6%, depending on the STI) told patients to inform their partners. Two-thirds (66.4%) felt that PN should not be done by FPs, and fewer than 10% reported contacting partners. Reported barriers included inaccurate or incomplete lists of partners (67.1%), poor compensation (54.1%), and insufficient time (54.1%). Facilitators chosen by respondents included another health professional assigned to follow up with PN (77.4%) and improved remuneration (74.7%). Electronic PN tools directed at patients (eg, PN slips) were favoured over resources directed at providers.

Conclusion

Family physicians regularly manage STIs and currently take part in PN primarily through educating index cases. However, most do not feel that PN should be conducted by FPs, and most believe that FP-initiated PN would require additional personnel, remuneration, and legal guidance.