What are the key considerations for partner notification and treatment in cases of STIs?

Key considerations for partner notification and treatment in cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) include:

• Informing and advising the index patient: People diagnosed with an STI should be advised about the importance and benefits of partner notification, including the risk of reinfection and the possibility that partners may be asymptomatic but infected. They should be encouraged to engage in partner notification regardless of where they were tested ².
• Supporting the patient in partner notification: Discuss different methods of partner notification tailored to the individual's relationship status and circumstances, including alternative methods for those at risk of domestic violence or requiring anonymity. Help patients decide how to notify their partners and provide support or referral to specialist sexual health services if they are unable or unwilling to notify partners themselves ².
• Professional involvement: Partner notification on behalf of the patient should be carried out by professionals with expertise in contact tracing and counselling, ensuring confidentiality and sensitivity ².
• Referral pathways: Ensure clear and seamless referral pathways to specialist sexual health services for partner notification and treatment, avoiding the need for self-referral ².
• Screening and treatment of partners: All sexual partners should be offered full STI screening, including HIV testing and hepatitis B screening and vaccination if indicated, to reduce reinfection risk and onward transmission ³.
• Follow-up and test of cure: Follow up with the index patient to confirm treatment adherence, symptom resolution, and that partner notification has been completed. Test of cure is recommended for certain infections (e.g., gonorrhoea) and specific circumstances, and repeat testing may be advised to detect reinfection ¹,³.
• Tailoring interventions: Interventions and information should be culturally sensitive, sex-positive, and tailored to individual needs and risk groups, considering safety concerns such as domestic violence ².
• Use of technology: Consider the use of geospatial networking apps (e.g., Grindr, Tinder) to facilitate partner notification by encouraging users to notify partners or by professionals using app profiles to inform contacts ².
• Advice on sexual activity: Advise avoidance of sexual contact until treatment is completed and lesions (if present) are healed to prevent onward transmission, as recommended for infections like syphilis ⁴.