inSPOT

In 2004 Internet Sexuality Information Services (ISIS) created inSPOT, a peer-to-peer, web-based, sexually transmitted disease (STD) partner notification system, to meet the need for convenient and anonymous disclosure of a potential disease exposure to sexual partners. Partner notification has been found to be effective in identifying individuals at-risk for STD infection, but traditional means of notification in person, by phone, by mail, or with the help of a public health investigator, are not always practical. Online notification provides an efficient means of reaching otherwise inaccessible individuals.

The site was initially targeted toward the men who have sex with men (MSM) community, but in 2006 was expanded to include all audiences. Through the web site individuals can choose from one of six e-cards, type in up to 6 e-mail addresses, specify an STD, and type an optional personal message. The e-cards may be sent anonymously, or include the sender’s e-mail address. The e-card links recipients to a page with disease-specific information, a map of local testing sites, and links to online resources.

The goal of inSPOT is to improve STD partner notification by providing online resources including electronic postcards.

During the first four years of use more than 30,000 people have used the inSPOT.org portal to send over 49,500 e-cards and over 750 people visit the site daily. The service has been replicated in three countries, nine states, and ten cities. E-card recipients used available online resources an average of 26.8% in 2006 and 28.5% in 2007.