PRIVATE REPORTING OPTION THROUGH CODED TEXT MESSAGES (PROTEXT)

Steele Auditorium

Objective. This study was conducted to determine if notification of STD results using coded text messages would lessen the time between laboratory result availability and time to treatment. Background. Over 66% of the chlamydia and gonorrhea cases in Palm Beach County are from clients aged 15-24 years. In order to limit transmission, it is imperative there is timely treatment. Methods. A coded text message was sent to the client for negative or positive lab results; this was done in English, Spanish or Haitian Creole. Patients with positive results would call to make an appointment for treatment. Results. During the period April 7, 2014 through April 7, 2015, 1,881 individuals chose to be notified of their results using Private Reporting Option through coded TEXT messages (PROTEXT). Demographic profile of PROTEXT users who called back as protocol required were: median age of 25 years, spoke English and Black non-Hispanic (88%). Of those clients who had PROTEXT notification and called for appointment, none exceeded the Florida Department of Health STD Program recommended time to treatment goal of less than 14 days, all were treated within12 days; this was statistically significant when compared to all notification groups (p=0.043) and the PROTEXT group that did not call back (p=0.029). Conclusion. PROTEXTs have proven to be an efficient notification system that informs clients of their results and whether or not they need to return for STD treatment, ultimately shortening the period between notification and treatment. Grants. This study was not funded by a grant.