Improving Staff and Patient Education to Increase Chlamydia Screening Rates

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.