3031 Facilitators and Barriers in Screening Sexually Active Female Adolescents for Chlamydia Infection in the Suburban Practice Setting

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: 1) Describe strategies pediatric providers perceive improve chlamydia screening of sexually active female adolescents (SA), and 2) describe barriers to regular screening of SA for chlamydia METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Using qualitative methods, 14 general pediatric providers across 7 clinical sites in Vermont were interviewed to ascertain best practices and remaining challenges. Semi-structured interviews lasting 30-45 minutes were audiotaped and transcribed. Chlamydia screening rates provided by BCBS-VT were used to categorize participant responses across three performance tiers, data were coded, and themes identified within these tiers. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Facilitators: When asked to describe facilitators of chlamydia screening, providers in the top tier of chlamydia screening emphasized the importance of adequate insurance to cover the cost of testing. Providers in the middle performance tier cited use of pre-visit questionnaires, and those in the bottom performance tier identified no best practices. Other strategies included improving physician confidence and awareness, establishing practice- and individual-level routines, and providing strong leadership and communication of local screening rates. Barriers: Across the 3 performance tiers, the most common challenges to consistent chlamydia screening were threats to patient confidentiality, cost of the screening test, and requirement for patient disclosure of sexual activity. Less commonly, providers were concerned that adolescent patients were not reliable to obtain screens off-site, or fill treatment prescriptions without the help of a parent. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: The need for systematic, confidential, and inexpensive means for screening SA for chlamydia was highlighted in both the best practices and challenges described by providers of pediatric care in the suburban practice setting. Policy and practice interventions may target these needs to improve the reproductive health of female adolescents.