Preferences for an Electronic Partner Notification System for Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Discrete Choice Experiment Study
Shreyas Mosurkal, Robert A Parker, Caleb L Eliazer, Benjamin Sullivan, Aron Thiim, Brian Fuss, Dani L Zionts, Jana Jarolimova, Kevin L Ard, Ingrid V BassettAbstract
Background
Electronic partner notification (ePN) is a digital platform that enables people diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to alert sexual partners anonymously. ePN has the potential to reduce STI rates, particularly among those disproportionately affected. Our objective was to inform the design of a Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH)-delivered ePN system for statewide implementation.
Methods
Two cross-sectional online discrete choice experiments (DCEs) were conducted using Sawtooth Software to assess preferences for platform features: one for index patients (notifiers) and another for notification recipients. DCE attributes and levels assessed platform design, notification delivery, and informational content features. Men who have sex with men and transgender women were recruited from partner clinics, community venues, and online sources. Multinomial logit and hierarchical Bayesian models were used to determine overall preference weights and attribute relative importances, respectively.
Results
A total of 126 notifier (66% White) and 174 recipient (64% White) surveys were completed; 57% of notifiers and 50% of recipients reported prior STI. Notifiers rated method of accessing the ePN system as the most important attribute and strongly preferred the ability to use ePN outside medical appointments. Recipients rated level of detail in the notification message as the most important attribute and strongly preferred messages specifying the exposure time frame and STI name. Both groups strongly preferred notifications signed by MDPH.
Conclusions
DCE findings can guide MDPH ePN implementors in designing and optimizing a platform that accommodates the distinct roles of index patient notifiers and notification recipients, while maintaining MDPH branding.