Electronic partner notification (ePN) of sexually transmitted infection Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

A key aspect of the management of sexually transmitted infections (STI) is partner notification (PN), by which the patient’s sexual contacts are informed of their potential exposure so they can access testing and treatment. This is typically delivered by health advisors in Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinics and outcomes obtained via repeated phone calls to patients, contacts and other services. This approach is inefficient, resource intensive and has poor results. 

ePN is an innovative web-based programme that automates much of the PN process, remaining under patient control if preferred. Using the patient’s mobile number as the identifier, it delivers PN via SMS messaging; updating diagnoses, capturing verified and contact reported clinic attendance, and reminding contacts to attend.

This project implemented ePN in two sexual health clinics at CWH. The first tier of fully trained staff are now offering the service to all eligible patients. Of the 129 patients offered ePN, 68 were ineligible (either had informed partners already or had no contact details) and a further 32 declined the service. For relevant patients (29) it has been an effective intervention, resulting in STI diagnoses and significantly improved PN results for these clinics.

The project has been heavily dependent on IT capacity, which would be a key enabler for any spread to other services.  While ePN is a standalone system, the ability to interface with other IT systems in the clinics would increase integration. 

High-level organisational support, strategic value, and a culture of innovation/early adoption has all assisted in programme implementation. ePN will continue to be used in the clinics and it is planned to spread the intervention to the other GUM services at CWH.

Contact information

For more information about this project, please contact Dr Ann K Sullivan.