Modernizing chlamydia surveillance

Written by Thurston County Public Health & Social Services, Disease Control & Prevention staff members

Thurston County Public Health & Social Services is delving into a new approach to STI surveillance with the launch of a new pilot project that utilizes text messaging to conduct case investigation. This initiative represents a shift from traditional phone-based methods and changes how Thurston County Public Health & Social Services (PHSS) collects epidemiological data from some patients. 

The need for this new approach arises from staffing limitations PHSS faces while handling a high volume of chlamydia patients in particular. Some patients are not comfortable discussing their sexual health, especially over the phone, where they could be out and about or in a setting where they cannot speak openly about the diagnosis. This created a gap in information and accessibility to community members.

A Disease Control & Prevention (DCP) Division staff member will call the individual who reported the condition and begin a standard interview, verifying identification, and then offering the opportunity to complete the interview via text survey or on the phone. If the patient opts for the text survey option, they will be enrolled to receive a link to complete the interview, available in English and Spanish, at their convenience.

The survey is HIPAA-compliant; all answers will be kept confidential and not used outside of public health. This survey can be taken in the patient's personal time when they are available and in a private setting, which has been more appealing to private individuals versus a phone call with a "stranger." These surveys are prefaced with a phone call from PHSS, so the patient is able to decide how they would like to be interviewed and is aware that the text link is not scam messaging. 

As we assess this pilot program, we may look to use this method with other STIs in the future.