Abstract

Contact tracing (CT) is an integral part of sexually transmitted infection (STI) management. Although routinely conducted in most sexual health clinics (SHCs), the methods used may vary. To improve CT required novel approaches.

First we audited the outcomes of current contact tracing methods. A major finding of this audit was that while CT was routinely recommended, outcomes were poorly recorded. We developed a sticker to be placed in the charts of clients with a traceable STI. This indicated the number of contacts requiring notification, and how many had been notified and treated at our clinic. This enabled a standardised approach to CT records and improved ability to audit outcomes. It also focused clinicians on the need to ensure followup of CT and to offer assistance when CT had not been done.

Next, a brochure was developed to give to clients when diagnosed with a traceable STI. This brochure mentioned the reasons for contacting patterns, dispelled some myths that have been found in previous studies about telling partners and provided ideas about how to tell partners.

In conjunction with this a SMS was developed, that could be sent to index cases' mobile phones, allowing them to forward the SMS to partners. This was seen as an ideal method for young people who frequently had mobile numbers of past partners but little other contact details. It was also able to be simple and quick.

The next step will be reauditing the CT outcomes once the SMS and brochure are in established use.