BASHH

The National Sexual Health Strategy (2001) emphasised the provision of more sexual health care in the Primary Care setting. In response BASHH (British Association for Sexual Health and HIV) developed a 2-day sexually transmitted infection foundation course (STIF).

This course provides multidisciplinary training in the attitudes, skills, and knowledge required for the prevention and management of STIs, using a variety of educational techniques. Topics include national and local epidemiology of STIs and related pathologies; principles of STI service provision; sexual history taking, HIV testing and counselling; Partner notification and management. Each participant also rotates through eight teaching stations on common STI presentations.

A national steering group with representation from BASHH, RCGP, RCN and the FFPRHC produces and reviews all course materials including course director's manual, instructors' manual and teaching material and a manual with self assessment tool for delegates.

In several regions genitourinary medicine and family planning services have been working together to deliver a STIF course in conjunction with a DFFP course. In some deaneries all VTS trainees will have attended a STIF course before entering general practice.

Target Audience

Multidisciplinary - Doctors and nurses from primary care, family planning, secondary care clinicians (who may encounter patients with STIs e.g. obs & gynae, rheumatology, ophthalmology, A&E etc), GUM NCCGs, health advisers, school nurses etc.

Learning objectives

By the end of the course candidates should:

Knowledge

• Understand the principles of STI service provision
• Be aware of the issues relating to confidentiality, partner notification and treatment
• Basic knowledge of the epidemiology and the factors involved in the transmission of STIs and how to prevent transmission
• Basic knowledge of common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), their presentation, diagnosis and management
• Know where to and when to refer patients on

Skills

• By the end of the course they should be competent, and feel comfortable, taking a sexual history
• develop the skills necessary to inform patients on reducing their risk of sexual infections and their risk of unplanned pregnancy
• Optimise care pathways for patients through improved links with local GUM /sexual health (TOP, Contraception, psychosexual), and microbiology services

Attitudes

• Appreciation of the lifestyle and circumstances of others and how this may reflect in their presentation and impact on their management.
• Develop an appreciation and acceptance of the range of human sexuality, lifestyles, culture and the impact this has transmission/prevention counselling
• Develop an understanding of how one's personal beliefs could affect the consultation

To find course locations and how to register
If you are interested in attending a STIF course information on current course dates is available here

Additional information for BASHH STIF Course Directors available by logging in here