Increasing Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Adolescents and Young Adults Diagnosed With Sickle Cell Disease: A Quality Improvement Project

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect 20 million adolescents and young adults in the United States annually.

Local problem: In a pediatric outpatient sickle cell disease clinic in the southeastern United States, 16% (43/272) of patients aged 16-24 years had a documented sexual health history, and 12% (4/77) completed STI screenings. The clinic aimed to increase sexual health assessment, STI screenings, diagnosis, and treatment.

Methods: Using process redesign, a standardized sexual health and STI screening process at routine visits was implemented to increase the completion of sexual health histories and STI screening.

Results: Sexual health history collection rates increased from 16% (43/272) pre-intervention to 92% (107/116) pos-tintervention. The rate of STI testing offered increased from 12% (5/43) preintervention to 100% (116/116) postintervention. The STI testing rates increased 22.5% from 40% (2/5) pre-intervention to 49% (20/41) post-intervention.

Conclusions: Evidence-based standardized interventions can successfully be used to assist in sexual health documentation and STI screening.