2-year colleges may require additional support with providing sexual health care. Improvements could entail increasing express testing, extra-genital STI testing, and LARC.
Background: This study aimed to explore gaps between Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's clinical guidelines for obtaining a sexual history and regular clinical practice. We examine how patient, provider, and setting characteristics may influence the likelihood of obtaining comprehensive sexual histories and examine patient outcomes linked to sexual history taking.
Methods:We performed a narrative review to identify studies that examined clinical practice and sexual history taking via 8 databases. A 2-level inclusion protocol was followed, wherein the abstract and full text of the article were reviewed, respectively. Data were abstracted using a standardized tool developed for this study.
Results:The search yielded 2700 unique studies, of which 2193 were excluded in level 1, and 497 were excluded in level 2, leaving 10 studies for data abstraction. None of the studies reported comprehensive sexual history taking, and 8 studies reported differences in how providers obtain a sexual history when patient and provider demographics are considered. Three studies found a positive link between providers who discuss sexual history and provider sexually transmitted disease testing.Conclusions: When sexual histories are obtained, they are not comprehensive, and providers may discuss sexual history differentially based on patients' demographic characteristics. Providers who discuss patients' sexual history may be more likely to also provide sexual health preventive care.
Use of technology for partner services increased the number of partners notified, screened or tested, and new infections found. Importantly, the use of technology allowed programs to reach partners who otherwise would not have been notified of their exposure to an STD or HIV. Improved response times and time to treatment were also seen as was re-engagement into care for previous HIV positive patients. Data and outcome measures across the studies were not standardized, making it difficult to generalize conclusions. Although not a replacement for traditional partner services, the use of technology enhances partner service outcomes.
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