Transforming STI Care with mPOC Testing

With the U.S. witnessing a staggering 30% increase in reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis over the past five years, the escalating rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) present urgent public health challenges. These infections not only impact individual health but also strain our healthcare systems and contribute to long-term complications. An hour-long session will explore how urgent care providers can harness the power of molecular point of care testing (mPOC) to enhance STI diagnosis and treatment, ultimately playing a critical role in reversing this alarming trend.

Molecular point of care testing (mPOC) offers significant benefits for urgent care settings. By improving turnaround times (TAT), mPOC enables rapid diagnosis and treatment, leading to reduced infection rates and increased early detection of STIs. This effectiveness reduces both overtreatment and undertreatment while minimizing unnecessary medication reactions and costs, thereby supporting antimicrobial stewardship efforts. The patient-centered approach, allowing for self-collected samples, enhances comfort and satisfaction. Additionally, mPOC reduces patient anxiety, promotes positive care experiences, and empowers clinicians to confidently rule out STIs and explore other potential causes of symptoms, ultimately contributing to reduced STI transmission.

Participants will discover how mPOC can empower urgent care centers to meet evolving patient demands and maintain a competitive edge in the healthcare landscape. The rising rates of STIs in our communities require urgent action, and urgent care providers are on the front lines of this critical battle. By adopting molecular point-of-care testing, urgent care can transform its approach to diagnosis and treatment, significantly improving patient outcomes and making a tangible difference in the fight against STIs. This session will inspire urgent care providers to integrate mPOC into their practices, equipping them with the tools needed to enhance patient care, reduce transmission rates, and lead the charge in public health.

Learning Objectives
Learning Objective 1: Evaluate mPOC testing benefits, including reduced turnaround times for STI results and prompt diagnosis and treatment that mitigate risks of over and undertreatment.
Learning Objective 2: Integrate mPOC across healthcare settings, focusing on its complementary role in managing suspected infections, recent exposures, and routine screenings.
Learning Objective 3: Learn strategies to address mPOC implementation challenges and adapt urgent care centers to remain competitive through effective integration.