Introduction

Some 2,000,000 patients with symptomatic STIs are reported to have been treated at Primary Health Care facilities throughout SA during 2002. In addition, estimates indicate that another 2,000,000 patients with symptomatic STIs might have been treated by other health service providers, mainly in the private sector. Further studies indicate that up to 50% of all STIs can be asymptomatic. This puts the burden caused by symptomatic and asymptomatic STIs to a rough estimate of some 6-8 million episodes in 2002, among a population, 15 years or older, of about 30 million. In addition to this direct burden, STIs, other than HIV infection, increase the risk of HIV acquisition and transmission.

Prevention and early treatment of STIs is therefore a high public health priority in South Africa which is reflected in the HIV/AIDS/STI Strategic Plan for South Africa of the National Department of Health. First line syndromic management of patients with STIs should be offered at all PHC facilities, and at private sector first line services in the country, to prevent complications and to prevent the spread of HIV.

In response to the need and requests for assistance to develop the skills of Professional Nurses in the comprehensive appropriate management of HIV and AIDS the Nursing Leadership Programme at the Foundation for Professional Development has developed a 2 day course in the Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections for Professional Nurses.

Course Content

On completing the course the learner will be able to:

• Explain the reproductive physiology in relation to disease transmission.
• Discuss the current situation regarding the spread of STIs in South and Southern Africa.
• Clarify and explain the importance of STI management in reducing the transmission of STIs and HIV.
• Take a comprehensive history and physically examine a patient with STIs.
• Comprehensively manage a patient with STIs using the syndromic management for the clinical aspect of care.
• Reduce the development of resistance to drugs developing through poor care.
• Identify and clinically manage associated conditions.
• Support and manage patients who have been raped and have an understanding of forensic medicine.
• Plan and manage a service offering STI management to patients.
• Monitor, evaluate and report progress and issues in STI management programmes.

Course Design

This is an online course. Participants have 3 months to complete the assessment process from date of registration.

Who Should Enroll

All healthcare practitioners

Accreditation

Certification

Your CPD certificate will be generated to your online CPD Manager, upon completion

Course Fee

R 1 997.37 This amount is inclusive of all vat and taxes where applicable

Contact

For more information contact:

ILANA VAN DER MERWE / LODINE DE VILLIERS