Discuss partner management
Sexual partners from the previous six months should be notified.
Strategies for partner management
Patients often opt for telling their partners themselves. A simple message is often best, for example:
Hey, my chlamydia test is positive and you might have it too. You should head to your GP for a STI test. Sorry to give you this news but I thought it was better that you knew.
Provide patients with a factsheet (click here for one) about chlamydia to help them with the conversation, or to give to their partners.
Patients can also use anonymous notification tools. These are:
Patient delivered partner therapy (PDPT) might be an option for your index case.
PDPT is useful for heterosexual patients with anogenital or oropharyngeal chlamydia whose partners are unable or unlikely to seek care themselves.3 Regulations for PDPT vary from state to state, and GPs should check their local regulations with their relevant health department. Click here for more information about PDPT.
Intimate partner violence and partner notification
If there are concerns about partner violence, contact specialist sexual health clinics or public health units directly for advice regarding partner notification. Refer to the RACGP White Book (Abuse and violence: Working with our patients in general practice) for further information. 1800RESPECT also has information, counselling and support services for the general public.
Tricky questions
Chlamydia infections can sometimes bring up some tricky issues for the patient. Below are some suggestions for answers to some questions that may arise. You can also read more about chlamydia infections here.
Patient resources for partner management
For a patient factsheet about chlamydia, including information about telling partners and answers to tricky questions
For all patient resources, click below
Key guidelines for chlamydia case management
For who and when to test, including in specific populations
RACGP Red Book Guidelines for Preventive Activities in General Practice (9th Edition, updated 2018).
For information about the entire chlamydia case management pathway, including guidance on partner management
Australian STI Management Guidelines (updated March 2018) and Australasian Contact Tracing Guidelines (updated 2016).