Ways of notifying contacts

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There are different methods by which contacts can be informed:

• In person
• Phone call/ text
• Social Media
• Web-based partner notification tools
• Email
• Letter
• Internet-based, that is Social Media (where local governance permits)
• Referral to a specialist

Most index patients like to notify their partners in person or over the phone[1]. Research has demonstrated improved outcomes in HIV and syphilis notification and subsequent access to testing and treatment using social media[2,3].

Referring cases to a local specialist service for support in your Australian state or territory may enhance the outcome.

Note: There may be risks involved when contact tracing by phone/text. It is not uncommon for some people to share phones between multiple users. Make sure a ‘safe’ number is used and the message does not disclose sensitive information. A ‘safe’ number is one that the index patient provides and to which they have private access.  A ‘safe’ number may also be one the index patient provides that they do not own but they trust the owner to maintain confidentiality.

Available resources to support both patients and health care providers to undertake partner notification are listed below.

Resources for patient-initiated contact tracing