Improving Staff and Patient Education to Increase Chlamydia Screening Rates

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Stephanie Limesand (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Chlamydia Trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Infection rates increase yearly and are highest in women ages 16-24. Untreated infections can lead to chronic pelvic pain , ectopic pregnancy , and infertility. Thus , chlamydia screening is vital. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase chlamydia screening rates at the practice site in women ages 16-24. It began with staff education that addressed literature-based key points of chlamydia education. Staff at the practice site included health center assistants , health care providers , and the office manager. A script was developed for health center assistants to use with patients. All women aged 16-24 were provided a patient education brochure on chlamydia when they arrived at the clinic. Consent to participate in the project was obtained using opt-out language. Staff and patient education about chlamydia resulted in recommendations for screening and higher screening rates. CT screening rates were at 51.28% one month prior , 64.38% four weeks post-project implementation , and 60.0% eight weeks post-implementation.

Additional Information

Publication

Other

Language: English

Date: 2018

Keywords

chlamydia trachomatis, sexually transmitted infection, screening, patient education, staff education

Subjects

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