J. Dennis Fortenberry

A delivery system for expedited partner services to prevent STDs

Reinfection by untreated partners accounts for a substantial proportion of new sexually transmitted infections. Provision to patients of treatment for delivery to partners has been shown to be effective for reducing these repeated infections. Through use of expedited partner treatment, the clinical practice of treating the sex partners of patients diagnosed with an STD without examination of the sex partners by the health care provider, the rates of reinfection can be diminished. Dr. Fortenberry's research used focus groups and individual interviews to inform the design of patient, partner, and clinical staff materials to support implementation of expedited partner services around the country.