inSPOT: The first online STD partner notification system using electronic postcards
2008

inSPOT: An Online STD Partner Notification System

Sample size: 833 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Deb Levine, Andrew J. Woodruff, A. Rain Mocello, Jaime Lebrija, Jeffrey D. Klausner

Primary Institution: Internet Sexuality Information Services

Hypothesis

Can an online e-card service effectively notify sexual partners of potential STD exposure?

Conclusion

The inSPOT system has successfully facilitated partner notifications for STDs, with over 49,500 e-cards sent since its launch.

Supporting Evidence

  • Over 30,000 people have sent more than 49,500 e-cards since the launch of inSPOT.
  • 73% of surveyed G/MSM indicated they would consider using an e-card for partner notification.
  • The average number of recipients per e-card was 1.6.

Takeaway

inSPOT is a website that helps people tell their partners if they might have an STD by sending them an e-card. It's like sending a message to keep your friends safe.

Methodology

The study involved focus groups and surveys to assess the effectiveness and acceptance of the inSPOT service among users.

Limitations

The study lacks data on the proportion of users who accessed STD testing after receiving an e-card.

Participant Demographics

The primary focus was on gay men and other men who have sex with men (G/MSM), but the service was later expanded to all sexually active individuals.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pmed.0050213

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