PDPT for Providers

What is PDPT and why should I use it?

PDPT stands for patient delivered partner therapy. It allows patients who have been diagnosed with a STD or are suspected to have STD to give their partner(s) medication/treatment without a separate health provider visit. The goal of PDPT is the decrease the rates of re-infection of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas.

 

Who should be offered PDPT?

PDPT should be offered to all patients who have partners who are not guaranteed to seek prompt medical care and treatment. These include partners who may be uninsured, lack a PCP, or are unwilling to seek care.

​

PDPT is appropriate for all patients with an uncomplicated diagnosis of chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomonas.  

 

Who qualifies for PDPT?

• To be eligible for PDPT, partners should be unlikely to seek care within 1 week. 

• Partners should be able to understand and follow written instructions (available in multiple different languages).

• PDPT should be offered to all partners within 60 days of the patient’s diagnosis. If the patient reports no partners in previous 60 days, the most recent partner(s) should be treated.

• Partners should have no known severe allergies to antibiotics.

• All partners in the criteria above should be treated, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

 

Who should NOT be offered PDPT?

PDPT should not be offered for suspected child abuse, sexual assault/rape, intimate partner violence or any situation where patient-partner communication or safety is in doubt.

​

What do I need to document when giving out PDPT?

1. In the prescription, write out the dosage for each recipient and the number of partners that will receive treatment.

2. In the patient's chart, document what medication was prescribed, the number of partners receiving PDPT, and that you reviewed the materials provided in the PDPT packet with the patient.

3. Also be sure to document that the patient needs a test of cure in 3 months for future providers.

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

What information is included in the PDPT packet?

The PDPT packet includes information on how to take the medications, potential side effects, ER precautions, a list of phone numbers to call if they have any issues, and clinical referrals for HIV testing.

​

When is the best time to bring up partner/partner treatment during the visit?

Start by asking about partners towards the end of the sexual history. Bring it up again at the end of the visit to establish a clear treatment plan for your patient’s partner(s).

 

What types of questions should I ask?

Some suggested questions include:

1. Do you have a current partner(s)?

2. Do you feel comfortable or do you feel safe sharing your positive result with your partner(s) and providing medication?

3. What is the likelihood that your partner(s) is likely to come to a health center for treatment?

4.  Do you think your partner can read and understand basic instructions on how to take the medication?

 

Some additional supporting questions:

1. How do you think your partner is going to react?

2. What are you most worried about?

3. When and where is a good place to have this conversation with her/him/them?

4. Would practicing this conversation help you?

 

What else should my patient know?

• Partners should read the instruction manual carefully before taking the medication.

• Encourage partners to seek medical care even if they receive PDPT so they can receive a full STD panel.

• Partners who are pregnant should be encouraged to seek prenatal care and get a full STD panel. They should get a test of cure after 3 weeks and get retested in 3 months, even if they receive treatment.

• All partners should be encouraged to get a test of cure 3 months after treatment.

• Patients and partners should abstain from sex for at least 7 days after treatment and until 7 days after all partners have been treated.

 

What should I do if my patient refuses PDPT and doesn’t want to tell their partner?

Offer alternative methods of partner notification. These can include:

• Anonymous Partner Referral

• Provider Referral

• Send an anonymous text or message:

  • https://inspot.org/

  • https://dontspreadit.com/

 

Is PDPT safe?

Multiple studies have shown that PDPT is safe and the California Department of Health, STD Control Branch has received zero reports of adverse reactions to PDPT medications.

Written instructions on how to take the medication and possible adverse effects are given to the patient and their partner. PDPT policy requires that the partner be able to read and understand these instructions.

 

What if my patient’s partner is pregnant?

PDPT is not contraindicated, but their partner should be encouraged to seek prenatal care and get tested.

Certain PDPT medications, including metronidazole and doxycycline are contraindicated in pregnant women. PDPT regimens of azithromycin and cefixime are considered safe.

If PDPT is given to a pregnant partner, she will need a test of cure 3 weeks after taking the medication for CT and a re-test within 3 months for GC.

 

Where can I access more information and materials about PDPT?

For resources providers in LA county:

intranet/ph/PHDirector/ChiefDeputyDirector/CommunityHealthServices/STDClinicResources.htmrvices/STDClinicResources.htm

 

For resources in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese:

http://www.essentialaccess.org/pdpt/resources

​