Patient Delivered Partner Screening (PDPS) for Sexually Transmitted Infections: The Patient Perspective

BACKGROUND: Research indicates the belief that treatment should only follow STI screening is one barrier to patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT). Patient-delivered partner screening (PDPS) may overcome this barrier, offer benefits similar to PDPT, and may be permissible in jurisdictions where PDPT is not. However, little is known about patient perceptions of PDPS. METHODS: Twenty men and 20 women (18-40 years) attending a U.S. Midwestern urban STI clinic were each presented two hypothetical scenarios: delivering a screening kit to a partner or using a kit provided by a partner. Uptake, benefits, barriers, and other factors were assessed. The resulting qualitative data were systematically coded and analyzed to identify PDPS related themes. RESULTS: Participants were willing to engage in PDPS, both as patients and partners. Benefits of delivery were convenience, privacy, and minimizing the likelihood of reinfection. Barriers to delivery included concerns regarding accuracy of results, delays receiving results, and appearance of the kit. Benefits to receiving a kit were the potential to expedite treatment, avoid unnecessary visits to healthcare providers, and maintain privacy. Barriers to receiving PDPS included the possibility of inaccurate results, delay receiving results, and lack of trust for the deliverer. Infidelity, partner blame, and STI stigma also affected PDPS willingness. DISCUSSION: Most clinic patients would utilize PDPS if offered; however, PDPS implementation and utilization may be more burdened by pragmatic issues and consumer perceptions than PDPT. Implementation programs will need to address these issues and further research should examine PDPS within a larger framework of expedited partner services.