Partner Notification
This research examines online partner notification tools for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), exploring diverse strategies, user and provider perspectives, and innovative approaches like e-cards and web-based toolkits. It highlights the need for tools that balance client needs with clinical goals.
The studies emphasize the importance of developing flexible and user-centred online partner notification tools to support STI prevention efforts. Innovative approaches, such as e-cards for partner notifications and platforms like inSPOT, prioritize anonymity, accessibility, and ease of use for clients. These tools aim to encourage individuals to inform their partners about potential exposures while reducing the stigma often associated with partner notifications. The research also identifies key differences in how clients and healthcare providers perceive the effectiveness and acceptability of these tools. While clients value privacy, simplicity, and control over the notification process, providers focus on ensuring follow-up care and accurate information delivery. Findings from focus groups and comparative studies of clinic-based versus online notification outcomes underscore the need to bridge these perspectives to create effective, widely accepted solutions for public health initiatives.
