1 Partner Notification & Chlamydia Screening Pathways for PharmacistsJules Smith Hackney Chlamydia Screening Coordinator & Health adviser 8/9/16

2 Aims Definition of ‘partner notification’Reasons why PN is so important Barriers to PN The ‘interview’ – how to initiate PN & next steps Chlamydia screening pathway Screening forms Ordering screening kits

3 Partner notification (PN) is a key element in the identification, management and control of chlamydia (& other STI’s). “The process of contacting the sexual partners of an individual with a STI or HIV, and advising them they have been exposed to infection” SHHA manual, (2004). Found at:

4 “Breaking the chain of infection”

5 Importance of PN Break the chain of transmissionPrevent complications of an untreated infection occurring (eg PID, sub fertility, epididymitis etc) To reduce the risk of reinfection Prevent vertical transmission

6 Ways of performing PN Face-to-face discussion Telephone discussion‘Provider referral’ (PR) Provide ‘contact slips’ Online partner notification systems

7 Barriers to PN Lack of knowledge, understanding or education about chlamydia Different health belief models Indifference/hostility to contacting partner(s) Untraceable partner(s) / no contact details Fears of blame/retribution Embarrassment Loss of partner(s) / breakdown in relationships Fear of domestic violence Ignorance?!

8 PN interview Private room, no interruptionsSee the client on their own (no partners/children in room to prevent inhibited answers) Include friends in the room in SOME circumstances to allow client feel more secure (eg young people) Try to maintain the clients sense of control and consent Reassure that their diagnosis and information will remain confidential

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11 Discussion Prompts ChecklistUnderstanding of infection Transmission prevention Complications PN discussed & 6 month ‘look back period’ – recommendations to inform <6/12 partners (British Association for Sexual Health & HIV PN guidelines) NO sexual contact AT ALL (including sex with/without condoms, oral sex or mutual genital touching) for 7 days & until partner(s) treated also Risk of re-infection

12 Useful phrases for PN…. “If you would prefer a health adviser to inform your partner anonymously, I can arrange that for you” Getting your partner(s) treated will prevent them from re-infecting you” “We can treat your partner here for free in the pharmacy” “We recommend that you inform the last 6 months of sexual partners to get tested/ treated, as they may have also been in contact with Chlamydia” “Your partner will be treated on the day if they say they have been in contact with chlamydia” “Getting treatment ensures no future health complications”

13 Pathway

14 Test Request Form Ask the client to read this page and also the leaflet that comes in the pack with instructions on how to take the tests

15 Pharmacist to tick relevant sample type & reason for testingAsk the client to fill in their details on both these stickers here – they need to attach 1 to their sample before sending sample or SAMPLE WILL NOT BE PROCESSED! Ask the client to fill in all information on the form & ensure they have at least 2 x ways of contact, if they have a positive result eg phone/address/ 706A7 Pharmacist to tick relevant sample type & reason for testing

16 Chlamydia Screening Contacts/ConsumablesTo order test kits: Please State how many male/female kits you would like For advice/support Jules Smith (lead health adviser for Hackney NCSP) Or The health adviser team / 7988

17 Questions?