Expedited Partner Therapy: A Review for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

The rate of sexually transmitted infections in the United States increased in 2015 for the second year in a row. Adolescents bear an undue portion of this burden because of increased physiologic susceptibility, higher rates of reinfection, and developmental age. Despite expedited partner therapy (EPT) being legalized in 39 states, health care providers still report infrequently providing EPT to their adolescent patients. Patients who benefit most from EPT include those with high-risk sexual behavior, a steady relationship status, higher education level, or an established relationship with the provider. This article will review the barriers to providing EPT and factors associated with patient acceptance or refusal, highlight current legal issues, and discuss the role of the pediatric nurse practitioner addressing specific strategies for implementation in practice. EPT is a valuable tool for the pediatric nurse practitioner to promote treatment and prevent reinfection with sexually transmitted infections.