Sexually Transmitted Infections
Conditions
Keywords
STI, STD
Brief summary
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.
Detailed description
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.
Interventions
OTHERCall when test results are ready
Patients are called when the test results are ready
OTHERText message when test results are ready
Patients receive a text message when results are ready
OTHERCall and text message when test results are ready
Patients receive both a call and a text message when test results are resay
Sponsors
University of Cincinnati
Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
FACTORIAL
Primary purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
14 Years to 21 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
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
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Contact rate | 7 days | The percentage of patients that are contacted within 7 days of their emergency department visit |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed