The LUSTRUM2 study team have produced three short films to motivate and support people to seek STI testing following a partner’s diagnosis, as well as an accompanying implementation toolkit for use by sexual health care professionals. The film and toolkit are endorsed by the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH), a key sector organisation driving high standards for sexual health care nationwide.
The films were created using patient and public involvement methodologies, including extensive and rigorous co-production, within the LUSTRUM2 project, which was led by Prof Claudia Estcourt (Glasgow Caledonian University, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust) and Dr Jennifer MacDonald (Glasgow Caledonian University) and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR205675).
Each film has been thoughtfully developed to also reduce the stigma that can often surround sexually transmitted infections (STIs), demonstrate the process of notifying sex partners, and describe options for STI testing. To help ensure that the messaging resonates effectively with young people, including young people of Black Caribbean heritage, two of the three films have been co-produced with and for these key audiences, who are disproportionately affected by STIs.
Reflecting on the study, Prof Claudia Estcourt, said:
"Stepping back and observing the co-production process from start to finish was a humbling experience. Team members worked tirelessly to create an environment that brought the best out of everyone, setting the tone for a space in which people felt able to not only contribute but to shape, lead and challenge. This took time, considerable resource and agility of working. That co-producers felt valued and proud of what they had achieved was a result in itself."
Young people were involved in all aspects of developing the live-action films, including messaging, scripting, and casting decisions. The third film uses an animation style with a live presenter, suitable for a general audience and providing a digital and accessible alternative to an information leaflet that may be offered to patients attending in-person services.
Dr Melvina Woode Owusu, Inclusion and Co-production Lead, and Honorary Senior Research Fellow University College London, said:
“Thank you to the entire Noclor team for your continued support, insight, and collaboration throughout the LUSTRUM2 project. We know how much work happens behind the scenes, and we’re truly grateful for everything you’ve contributed. I’m delighted to share that the project is now complete, and we’ve produced a suite of outputs - including three films to support partner notification and testing following an STI diagnosis and an implementation toolkit for clinics.
We had the privilege of launching these films and accompanying toolkit at the BASHH conference. The response from clinicians, community members, and professionals working across sexual health has been overwhelmingly positive - highlighting the relevance, accessibility, and impact of these co-produced resources.”
The films and toolkit are freely available at the BASHH website: Films to enhance partner notification
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Image: LUSTRUM2