RESUMEN
Introduction: Partner Notification (NP) has long been considered an essential strategy for the control of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although the delivery of clinical services for STIs has improved in Chile, syphilis in the general population is one of the most commonly reported STIs. Objective: To understand PN current practices and challenges, we explored health care providers' (HCPs) perspectives about PN for syphilis in public health services in Chile. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with HCPs in 14 primary health care centres and 6 sexual health units located at two regional Health Services as well as with key informants from different backgrounds. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using QSR International's NVivo 11 PRO Software, for cross-case thematic analysis, which followed an inductive approach. Selected quotes were translated from Spanish to English. Consensus on codes and themes was reached by the multi-disciplinary research team. Results: A total of 58 interviews were conducted. Forty-eight HCPs were interviewed across both Health Services; most with midwives with more than 10 years of work experience; and ten were key informants. Participants acknowledged PN as a syphilis control strategy with patient referral being the most common approach. Participants commented that index cases do not provide information about their partners easily and the delivery of PN is further impacted by gender and the socio-cultural context of Chile. PN was perceived by HCPs as an exhausting and difficult process. Conclusion: This is the first study to identify the perceptions of Chilean HCPs about PN for syphilis. PN is a valuable strategy for syphilis control in Chile; however, our findings suggest that HCPs consider this strategy a challenge both for them and for the Chilean population. Improving current practices and increasing awareness about PN would strengthen the work that has been done by HCPs for syphilis control and enhance the long-term impact of existing policies.
la Notificación de Pareja (NP) se ha considerado durante mucho tiempo una estrategia esencial para el control de las infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS). Aunque la prestación de servicios clínicos para las ITS ha mejorado en Chile, la sífilis en la población general es una de las ITS más comúnmente reportadas. Objetivo: Para comprender las prácticas y los desafíos actuales de la NP, exploramos las perspectivas de los proveedores de salud (PS) sobre la NP para la sífilis en los servicios de salud pública en Chile. Métodos: Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas con PS en 14 centros de atención primaria de salud y 6 unidades de salud sexual ubicadas en dos servicios de salud regionales, así como con informantes clave (IC) de diferentes orígenes. Las entrevistas se transcribieron textualmente y se codificaron utilizando el software NVivo 11 PRO de QSR International, para el análisis temático de casos cruzados, que siguió un enfoque inductivo. Las citas seleccionadas fueron traducidas del español al inglés. El equipo de investigación multidisciplinario llegó a un consenso sobre códigos y temas. Resultados: Se realizaron un total de 58 entrevistas. Se entrevistaron 48 PS en ambos Servicios de Salud; la mayoría con matrones con más de 10 años de experiencia laboral; y diez eran IC. Los participantes reconocieron la NP como una estrategia de control de la sífilis, siendo la derivación de pacientes el enfoque más común. Los participantes comentaron que los casos índice no proporcionan información sobre sus parejas fácilmente y que la entrega de NP se ve afectada aún más por el género y el contexto sociocultural de Chile. La NP fue percibida por los PS como un proceso agotador y difícil. Conclusión: Este es el primer estudio que identifica las percepciones de los PS chilenos sobre la NP para la sífilis. La NP es una estrategia valiosa para el control de la sífilis en Chile; sin embargo, nuestros hallazgos sugieren que los PS consideran esta estrategia como un desafío tanto para ellos como para la población chilena. Mejorar las prácticas actuales y aumentar la conciencia sobre la NP fortalecería el trabajo realizado por los profesionales de la salud para el control de la sífilis y mejoraría el impacto a largo plazo de las políticas existentes
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Sífilis , Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual , Salud Sexual , Chile , Transmisión de Enfermedad Infecciosa , InfeccionesRESUMEN
Background Partner notification (PN) in Australia has been studied and improved in recent decades. International researchers have highlighted the use of electronic communication technologies to assist PN (Internet partner notification or IPN). Using the Australian experience as an example, the aim of this study is to explore clinicians' perspectives on the use of specialised websites, such as Let them know, to facilitate PN in the Chilean context. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare providers (HCPs) in 14 primary health care centres and six sexual health units located at two regional Health Services, as well as with key informants from different backgrounds. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and QSR International's NVivo 11 PRO Software was used for cross-case thematic analysis, which followed an inductive approach. Selected quotes were translated from Spanish to English. Codes and themes were reviewed by the research team. RESULTS: Most participants were unaware of IPN and demonstrated interest. Many agreed this could be a feasible strategy considering the high use of mobile technologies and the Internet in Chile. Participants' primary concerns around this approach were confidentiality, privacy and efficacy, given the local cultural context. The use of a counsellor to offer professional support and guidance was identified as essential to strengthen PN in Chile. CONCLUSION: The use of IPN could be an alternative PN strategy for Chile. However, the involvement of local staff and further research to explore patients' perceptions and preferences will be essential in tailoring interventions.