Provider and client acceptance of a health department enhanced approach to improve HIV partner notification in New York City.
OBJECTIVE
To assess provider and client acceptance of health department-delivered HIV partner services (PS) delivered in clinical and community settings.


METHODS
In 2006, New York city (NYC) formed the HIV field services unit (FSU), staffed with experienced sexually transmitted disease intervention specialists (DIS). DIS were stationed at 8 large hospitals to assist clinical providers and their HIV-positive patients with PS in areas with high rates of delayed HIV diagnoses and HIV-related mortality. We surveyed providers (self-administered questionnaire) and clients (staff-administered) to examine provider and patients as well as patients' HIV-exposed partners' acceptance of and concerns regarding PS.


RESULTS
Response rates were as follows: 63% (132/211) providers; 90% (492/544) patients who accepted PS; 73% (16/22) patients who declined PS; 83% (139/168) partners who received notification; and 81% (25/31) partners who declined notification. Most providers felt the DIS focus and expert skills in PS was beneficial to providers (87%) and clients (89%). Most patients (91%) had a positive or neutral attitude about the health department-delivered PS. Most providers reported no disadvantage to DIS providing PS (69%); their most commonly cited (24%) concern was potential patient confusion about the roles of providers versus DIS. Patients' most common concerns were the intrusive nature of the interviews and the length of the interview (50/492, 20%). The partners wanted to know who named them (32/139, 23%).


CONCLUSIONS
Health department-delivered PS by DIS in clinical and community settings was acceptable to providers, HIV-infected patients, and HIV-exposed partners. Overall, our survey showed strong provider and client support for this approach.
Udeagu
Chi-Chi N
CC
Bureau of HIV Prevention and Control, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, New York 10013, USA. cudeagu@health.nyc.gov
Bocour
Angelica
A
Gale
Ilona
I
Begier
Elizabeth M
EM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001290:Attitude; D016358:Contact Tracing / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012747:Sexual Partners; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires