Best Practices in Addressing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Primary Care Quality Improvement Initiative

  • 10 Jul 2025

Practices Completed the CTC-RI “Best Practices in Addressing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Primary Care Quality Improvement Initiative”

Nine primary care practices successfully completed a quality improvement initiative focused on improving screening and treatment of STIs generously funded by United Healthcare.  Primary care providers play a key role in screening and treatment of STI because patients with a STI are often asymptomatic and when identified early can receive timely treatment and interrupt further transmission and long-term complications. 

“Rhode Island has seen a dramatic spike in STIs in the last few years.  This project helped to improve early identification and treatment by implementing a universal screening approach and improving education for patients and primary care staff on the importance of screening for STIs.” – Program manager, Yolanda Bowes

The project launched in 2024 with a six-session ECHO education series, designed with support from an expert planning committee including Dr. Philip Chan, Dr. Jack Rusley, Dr. Cesar Mora-Jaramillo, and Dr. Patricia Flanagan. The ECHO series was open to all healthcare professionals and featured presentations by subject matter experts on a range of topics, from taking a thorough sexual health history to sessions focused on specific infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis, and HIV/PrEP.  Following the ECHO series, an application process invited primary care practices to improve screening and treatment workflows with the support of a CTC-RI practice facilitator.

Participating practices worked with practice facilitator Susan Dettling to implement universal screening for all patients 16 to 24 years of age using Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) quality improvement cycles.   These practices included:

  • Anchor Pediatrics
  • Aquidneck Pediatrics
  • Barrington Pediatric Associates
  • Hasbro Children’s Primary Care
  • NRI Pediatrics
  • Open Door Health, P.R.I.M.A., Inc.,
  • The Medicine Pediatrics Primary Care Center, and
  • Tri-County Health Center

At the end of the project, practices were asked what they found most valuable about their participation:

This important initiative underscores the power of collaboration and commitment to improving public health. By working together, Rhode Island’s primary care practices have taken meaningful steps to enhance early detection and treatment of STIs, ultimately helping to reduce transmission and prevent long-term health complications for patients.

CTC-RI extends its sincere appreciation to all participating practices, our dedicated practice facilitator Susan Dettling, the expert faculty who led the ECHO series, and UnitedHealthcare for funding this vital work. Your efforts are making a real difference in the health and well-being of Rhode Islanders. Thank you!