Contact tracing for sexually transmissible diseases in general practice in Victoria, Australia

The purpose of this study was to determine current contact tracing ( sometimes called 'partner notification') practices of Victorian general practitioners (GPs), to identify the barriers of contact tracing in general practice, and to develop strategies to overcome these barriers. Contact tracing practices were explored in a large- scale, random survey of Victorian GPs. The barriers to contact tracing faced by doctors in general practice, and the strategies they use to overcome them were explored in focus groups. A high proportion of the GPs surveyed indicate that they would always tell a patient with a sexually transmissible disease (STD) to advise their contacts to seek medical treatment. The focus group data, however, revealed a high level of uncertainty among GPs about how and when contact tracing should be performed, as well as substantial barriers to contact tracing in general practice. Clarification of how and when contact tracing should be performed and the best strategies for carrying it out are crucial in assisting doctors in this complex and sensitive area of general practice. (author abstract)