Future of the infertility prevention project (IPP): Partnership opportunities in light of passage of the patient protection and affordable care act

Background: IPP funds support chlamydia and gonorrhea screening and treatment for low-income, sexually active women. Health reform will create multiple challenges and opportunities for which IPP partners must prepare in advance of implementation, including opportunities for outreach and developing new partnerships.

Methods: A multifaceted research approach was used. Qualitative data were collected from FP and STD field experts within each Health and Human Services designated public health service region in August and September of 2011. Quantitative data was collected through three distinct national surveys targeting 1) IPP State Partners 2) IPP associated Laboratories, and 3) IPP prevalence monitoring clinics.

Results:. Key informant interviews described the successes and challenges associated with current programmatic partners such as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), integrated care networks, and local universities. A notable success has been documented surrounding integration of HIV and STD related programming. Additionally, surveys quantified critical public health partnerships across multiple sectors.

Conclusions: FP/STD programs provide substantial added value that primary care providers may not be as suited to address, such as conducting partner notification services or providing confidential care. Moving forward, developing new partnerships with private sector providers, medical homes and FQHCs, among others, will be both challenging and critical to the sustainability of the IPP.

Implications: Public Health Service sector will need substantial guidance as they forge new partnerships in an effort to remain sustainable under health reform and reach new client bases. The IPP lies in a unique position to both facilitate partnerships at the federal level as well as communicate best practices at the local level.