Patient-delivered therapy

Patient-delivered therapy is a medical treatment approach where patients are given medications or treatments to deliver to their sexual partners without the healthcare provider first examining these partners. This method is often used in the management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, to prevent reinfection and further spread of the disease.

Overview

Patient-delivered therapy is a part of partner management strategies for sexually transmitted infections. It is also known as patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT), expedited partner therapy (EPT), or patient referral. The main goal of this approach is to ensure that the sexual partners of patients diagnosed with certain STIs also receive treatment, even if they cannot or do not seek medical care themselves.

Effectiveness

Several studies have shown that patient-delivered therapy can be effective in reducing rates of persistent or recurrent STIs. It is particularly useful when other partner management strategies are impractical or have failed. However, it is not suitable for all STIs or in all situations, and healthcare providers must consider various factors before recommending this approach.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The legality of patient-delivered therapy varies by jurisdiction. In some places, it is fully legal, while in others, it is either illegal or the legal status is unclear. Ethical considerations also come into play, particularly regarding the provision of medical treatment to individuals who have not been examined by a healthcare provider.

Limitations and Concerns

While patient-delivered therapy can be a useful tool in STI management, it is not without limitations and concerns. These include the potential for missed diagnosis of other STIs, the risk of adverse reactions to medications, and the possibility of perpetuating abusive relationships.

See Also

• Sexually transmitted infections
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Partner management strategies
• Public health

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