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Defining research priorities for bacterial sexually transmitted infections in Canada

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to define priority areas for research on chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in Canada through the use of a consensus method.

METHODS: A modified Delphi method was conducted, consisting of two online surveys and an in-person meeting. Participants included people working in bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across Canada, including clinicians, policy-makers, public health practitioners, and researchers.

RESULTS: Consensus was achieved regarding the most important priority topics in bacterial STI research in Canada, within five general priority areas: the epidemiology of bacterial STIs, screening, partner notification and contact tracing, antimicrobial resistance, and identification of best practices for the prevention and control of bacterial STIs.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this consensus process can be used to inform research efforts, which could contribute to more effective control of bacterial STIs in Canada.

Résumé

OBJECTIFS: Nous avons tenté de définir des axes prioritaires d’intervention pour la recherche sur la chlamydiose, la gonorrhée et la syphilis au Canada par la méthode du consensus.

MÉTHODE: Nous avons employé une méthode Delphi modifiée, avec deux sondages en ligne et une réunion en personne. Les participants (cliniciens, responsables des politiques, praticiens de la santé publique, chercheurs) travaillaient au Canada dans le domaine des infections transmissibles sexuellement (ITS) d’origine bactérienne.

RÉSULTATS: Les participants se sont entendus sur les thèmes prioritaires les plus importants de la recherche sur les ITS bactériennes au Canada, à l’intérieur de cinq axes prioritaires d’intervention généraux: l’épidémiologie des ITS bactériennes; le dépistage; la notification des partenaires et le retraçage des contacts; la résistance antimicrobienne; et l’identification des pratiques exemplaires en matière de prévention et de lutte contre les ITS bactériennes.

CONCLUSIONS: Les constatations de ce processus consensuel peuvent servir à éclairer les efforts de recherche, lesquels pourraient contribuer à un contrôle plus efficace des ITS bactériennes au Canada.

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Author notes

  1. Colin Q-T. Lee MD, MSc

    Present address: Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, 15 Sperling Drive, Barrie, ON, L4M 6K9, Canada

  2. Fiona Kouyoumdjian MD, MPH, PhD

    Present address: Centre for Research on Inner City Health, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada

  3. Jennifer Christian MA

    Present address: Women’s College Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Colin Q-T. Lee MD, MSc & Jennifer Christian MA

  2. Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Colin Q-T. Lee MD, MSc & Fiona Kouyoumdjian MD, MPH, PhD

Authors
  1. Colin Q-T. Lee MD, MSc
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  2. Fiona Kouyoumdjian MD, MPH, PhD
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  3. Jennifer Christian MA
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Colin Q-T. Lee MD, MSc.

Additional information

Acknowledgements: Funding for this project was provided by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, grant 228262. Fiona Kouyoumdjian received salary support from a Fellowship from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Conflict of Interest: None to declare.

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Lee, C.QT., Kouyoumdjian, F. & Christian, J. Defining research priorities for bacterial sexually transmitted infections in Canada. Can J Public Health 105, e86–e90 (2014). https://doi.org/10.17269/cjph.105.4210

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.17269/cjph.105.4210

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