Date on Paper

8-2019

Document Type

Doctoral Paper

Degree Name

D.N.P.

Department

Nursing

Committee Chair

Sara Robertson

Committee Member

Mary DeLetter

Author's Keywords

: Expedited partner therapy; sexually transmitted disease; sexually transmitted infection; health policy; legislative advocacy; advanced practice registered nurse

Abstract

Innovative strategies have become necessary in the treatment of patients diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their partners due to increasing rates of infection, transmission, and reinfection. Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) is an evidence-based approach for providers to improve partner treatment and decrease reinfection rates in patients with certain STIs. However, state-based legislation governs practice implementation and EPT remains prohibited in Kentucky (KY) despite Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsement. Delay in policy change presents increased risk for reinfection and continued transmission in KY. John Kingdon’s Multiple Streams framework (2003) was used to analyze EPT policy in the state of KY as a foundational step toward regulation amendment. Advocacy by increasing provider, lobbyist, and legislative awareness and support was also completed. Interventions included a poster presentation, white paper formulation and distribution, and communication with key legislators. Impact was measured through survey collection assessing agreement variables among 80 KY advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). 94% of respondents agreed that EPT is a beneficial treatment strategy and 93.7% indicated support in the advancement of EPT policy. This project provides the groundwork for future advocacy efforts for EPT legalization in KY.

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