Using text messaging for partner notification

Text messaging is especially effective for notifying partners about potential exposure to infections like sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Health departments can send concise and to-the-point notifications through text messaging, allowing individuals to privately receive sensitive information. The immediacy of text messages ensures that recipients are alerted without delay.

What is partner notification? 

According to an HHS Author Manuscript study on the use of electronic communication to improve partner notification, “A cornerstone of sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention is the identification, tracing, and notification of sex partners of index patients. Although partner notification reduces disease burden and prevents new infections as well as reinfections, studies show that only a limited number of partners are ever notified. Electronic communication technologies, namely, the Internet, text messaging, and phone calls (i.e., e-notification), have the potential to expand partner services.”

Partner notification is a public health strategy designed to control the spread of infections, particularly STIs. When an individual is diagnosed with an STI, healthcare organizations encourage them to inform their current and past sexual partners about the potential exposure to the infection. This process helps in preventing further transmission and ensuring that exposed partners receive timely treatment and counseling.

The choice of communication method in partner notification is particularly important. It needs to be both confidential and direct enough to convey the urgency of the situation. Appropriate communication methods can include in-person conversations, phone calls, or written messages, depending on the context and relationship between the individuals involved.

See also: How text messaging can help promote accessibility

Who performs the partner notification?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) provides partner notification services that allow the health department, patient or both to inform and inform partners. The guidance for each is as follows: 

Healthcare department

Healthcare organizations can defer to the Health Department to provide a partner notification. This is known as “Provider referral”. The process works as follows the patient provides partner contact information to the department, and the department is then located and informed by healthcare staff. The notified persons are then provided with counseling and testing.

According to the CDC website, “When health departments take responsibility for notification, more partners are successfully notified of their possible exposure.3 For patients, this method helps maintain their anonymity and relieves them of the burden of disclosure.”

Patient

Patients can also act themselves and notify any sexual or drug injection partners about the diagnosis. This is known as self-referal. In this process, healthcare providers and the health department can provide support for the patient with counseling and advice. The CDC offers, “For patients who choose self-referral, Partner Services ensures that adequate time is spent coaching your patients on how to inform their partners about their potential exposure.” The patient, however, is responsible for informing their partner about the available testing and counseling. 

Both

Known as “Dual referral” this allows patients to inform partners with health department staff assistance. 

The role of text messaging in partner notification

The health department commonly uses several methods to communicate partner notifications, including direct phone calls, letters, and increasingly, text messaging. Text messaging, in particular acts in the partner notification process due to its immediacy and wide reach. It allows health departments to send concise, discreet notifications quickly, ensuring that partners receive timely information about potential exposure to infections like STIs.

Text messaging, especially HIPAA compliant text messaging, is a suitable method for conveying sensitive health information for several reasons. First, it offers a level of privacy and discretion that can be necessary in sensitive communications, as messages can be read privately and do not require face-to-face interaction. Second, it is a direct and efficient way to reach people, given the high usage of mobile phones today. This method ensures that the notification is likely to be seen soon after it is sent, which is needed for timely medical action. Lastly, text messages can include instructions or links to further resources, making it easier for recipients to access testing and counseling services quickly. 

See also: Improve patient engagement with HIPAA compliant text messages

FAQs

Is consent required before sending health-related notifications via text?

Yes, consent is generally required from individuals before sending health-related notifications via text to comply with privacy laws and ethical standards.

What guidelines or regulations govern the use of text messaging for health notifications?

The use of text messaging for health notifications is governed by privacy laws like HIPAA.

Are there specific times when text messaging is considered inappropriate for partner notification?

Text messaging is considered inappropriate for partner notification when there is a high risk of breach of privacy, lack of access to secure messaging, or when sensitive information might cause undue distress if received unexpectedly or in an unsecured environment.