SXT Partner Notification Service

Revolutionizing Partner Notification in Sexual Health Clinics

For sexual health clinics, the challenge lies in encouraging patients diagnosed with STIs to notify their sexual partners. The SXT Partner Notification Service offers a digital solution to this problem. Patients can anonymously notify their partners through the service, which also helps them find a local clinic for testing. By providing a secure and convenient platform, the service has helped clinics improve partner notification rates while reducing administrative work.

The SXT Partner Notification Service is delivered through a responsive web app, coded in Ruby on Rails. When a patient is diagnosed with an STI, they are asked to submit their partner's details at the clinic. The service then sends an anonymous text message to the partner, informing them of the need to get tested. Partners can easily find the nearest clinic or book an appointment directly from their phone. The clinic records are automatically updated when partners get tested or self-report their test results, closing the loop between the original patient and their partner.

The development of the SXT Partner Notification Service involved extensive research and collaboration with clinicians and patients. Initial interviews with clinicians helped identify the challenges of partner notification, while usability testing and user feedback guided the design and development process. The service went through multiple iterations, from paper prototypes to a fully functional system, ensuring a user-centered and effective solution.

Since its launch, the SXT Partner Notification Service has been adopted by 14 clinics, resulting in the notification of over 5,400 partners. By addressing the reservations and inconveniences associated with partner notification, this digital solution has the potential to make a significant impact on reducing STI transmission rates and improving overall sexual health.

The SXT Partner Notification Service was recognized for its innovation and impact, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Meta, Strategic, and Service Design category in 2019. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life. With its integration of art, science, design, and technology, the SXT Partner Notification Service exemplifies the best practices in service design and contributes to making the world a better place.