Insights from pharmacists and pharmacy technicians about expedited partner therapy
Kevin T. Tan A , Michelle L. Pickett
A C , Lauren N. Borchardt A , Alexis M. Visotcky B and Amy L. Drendel A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Department of Pediatrics, Section of Emergency Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, 999 N. 92nd Street, Suite C550, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
B Institute for Health and Equity, Division of Biostatistics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
C Corresponding author. Email: mpickett@mcw.edu
Sexual Health 16(3) 289-295 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH18185
Submitted: 3 October 2018 Accepted: 6 March 2019 Published: 24 May 2019
Abstract
Background: Expedited partner therapy (EPT) is an effective method to treat sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and prevent re-infections. Pharmacy staff play a vital role in the success of EPT. This study aims to assess pharmacy staff knowledge of EPT and identify potential barriers to filling EPT prescriptions. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional, Internet-based survey distributed to members of the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin. Non-retired pharmacists and pharmacy technicians were eligible. EPT knowledge was dichotomised into ‘yes’ versus ‘no/unknown’. Statistical analyses included the χ2 test and Student’s two-sided t-test; using an α of 0.05. Results: Ninety-four questionnaires were analysed: 74 pharmacists, 20 pharmacy technicians. Overall, 73 (78%) knew EPT is legal in Wisconsin, 86% of pharmacists versus 45% of pharmacy technicians, P < 0.01. The mean time from graduation/training was less for participants who knew EPT is legal versus those who did not (12.8 years vs 20.2 years, P < 0.01). Sixty-four (68%) participants worked in an outpatient setting, of which 12 (19%) knew of a formal workplace EPT policy. Thirty-two (40%) of the 81 participants who had heard of EPT thought nameless EPT prescriptions should not be legal, commonly citing patient safety concerns. Conclusions: This study demonstrated inconsistent knowledge of EPT between pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Knowledge of workplace EPT policies and patient safety concerns were barriers to EPT. Addressing these knowledge and policy barriers will be vital to improve the utilisation of EPT.
Additional keywords: barriers, sexually transmissible infections.
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