Creating a guideline for STI testing in the pediatric population

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, education, screening, and management in pediatric primary care settings are of importance due to the increasing number of cases yearly. Almost half of the 26 million new STIs that occurred in 2018 were among young people 15-24. An opportunity existed in a rural pediatric primary clinic, for improved adherence to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations to screen/test patients. An evidence-based project (EBP) was developed to address this concern. Project objectives included: developing STI screening guidelines for pre-teen to young adults, developing a screening algorithm, providing alternative testing options, improving provider knowledge on STI testing/treatment, and increasing STI surveillance. A STI screening/testing guideline was developed/implemented in this facility. Project methods included a pre-and post-implementation survey, PowerPoint presentation, and data collection. In June-August 2020, two patients were tested for STIs based on symptom presentation. Since STI guideline implementation, 40 patients were screened in July 2021-September 2021, with 7 patients tested via CDC guidelines. The post-evaluation survey showed significant improvement in overall confidence/ knowledge the providers/staff felt regarding STI screening/testing. Outcomes of this project included a 250% increase of STI testing, improvement in provider/staff knowledge of STI screening, and increased staff comfort with STI conversations. We encourage pediatric providers to implement STI screening protocols in their practice as screening can lead to earlier detection/diagnosis of STIs and improved patient outcomes