Reticence to prescribe: utilization of expedited partner therapy among obstetrics providers in Arizona

Int J STD AIDS. 2011 Aug;22(8):449-52. doi: 10.1258/ijsa.2011.010492. Epub 2011 Jul 8.

Abstract

Expedited partner therapy (EPT) is the practice of providing an extra dose or prescription of antibiotic to patients diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhoea to deliver to their sexual partner(s). Obstetrical providers who delivered more than 20 infants in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, during the year 2008 were surveyed by telephone regarding their use of EPT. A total of 142 eligible respondents completed the survey, representing 34% (142/421) of the delivering providers, 67 (47%) of whom reported the use of EPT in their clinics. Having received information about EPT was significantly associated with its use (67% versus 41%) (P = 0.008). The most common reasons for not using EPT included the inability to obtain allergy history in partners (24%) and concern for liability (11%). Additional education regarding the use of EPT may increase the use of this personal and public health tool among some obstetrics providers in Maricopa County; however, concerns for liability may limit broad utilization.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Arizona
  • Chlamydia Infections / drug therapy*
  • Data Collection
  • Drug Therapy / methods
  • Drug Therapy / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Gonorrhea / drug therapy*
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obstetrics
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'*
  • Public Health / methods
  • Sexual Partners*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents