Abstract
The rate of sexually transmitted infections in the United States increased in 2015
for the second year in a row. Adolescents bear an undue portion of this burden because
of increased physiologic susceptibility, higher rates of reinfection, and developmental
age. Despite expedited partner therapy (EPT) being legalized in 39 states, health
care providers still report infrequently providing EPT to their adolescent patients.
Patients who benefit most from EPT include those with high-risk sexual behavior, a
steady relationship status, higher education level, or an established relationship
with the provider. This article will review the barriers to providing EPT and factors
associated with patient acceptance or refusal, highlight current legal issues, and
discuss the role of the pediatric nurse practitioner addressing specific strategies
for implementation in practice. EPT is a valuable tool for the pediatric nurse practitioner
to promote treatment and prevent reinfection with sexually transmitted infections.
Key Words
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Biography
Lauren M. Hopson, PNP-PC Student, School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY.
Biography
Sabrina Opiola McCauley, Assistant Professor of Nursing, School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 12, 2017
Footnotes
Conflicts of interest: None to report.
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
