BASHH

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What is STIFLevel1Competency Assessment?

An OSCE style, half day assessment developed by BASHH to assess the competence of health professionals who wish to deliver Level 1 sexual health services. It is envisaged that this assessment will be run mainly by STIF Directors as an optional extra half day following STIF Core, either in addition to, or instead of STIF Plus. In other regions, it may be organised as a 'stand alone' half day assessment separate from either of the STIF one day courses.

Specifications for registering as a STIFLevel1Competency Assessment Lead will be added to this webpage soon.

Successful completion culminates in accreditation and certification through BASHH. The health care professional will be registered on the STIF Level1Competency database. Certification will need to be renewed every 5 years. For detailed information about requirements for revalidation CLICK HERE.

What is the background to STIFLevel1Competency Assessments?

STIFLevel1Competency is designed to reflect the 'Standards for the management of sexually transmitted infections' (2010) [1]. The assessments are also based on the Department of Health (DH) recommendations in the publication 'Competencies for providing more specialized sexually transmitted infection services within primary care. Assessment toolkit' (2006) [2].

Who is the STIFLevel1Competency assessment for? 

For a list of registered STIF Level 1 Competency assessment centres CLICK HERE
For further details about the competencies assessed and whom should participate, please scroll down and read the information below.

Any health care professional seeking certification of competence in the management of sexually transmitted infections at Level 1 e.g. community pharmacists, practice nurses, medical practitioners, health advisors and alternative providers of medical care (e.g. private or third sector)

Which competencies will it assess?

• Sexual history taking and risk assessment
• Asymptomatic screening and diagnostic testing for STIs
• Management of asymptomatic Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea genital infection
• HIV testing
• Partner notification
• Sexual health promotion
• Appropriate signposting to other sexual health services
• Understanding the epidemiology of STIs

What preparation is needed prior to the assessment?

It essential that all trainees have had some practical experience in the management of STIs and completed a training course which covers the competencies listed above within the last 5 years. Primarily it is aimed at those who have completed the STIF theory course (either the 2 day course running between 2002 and 2010 or the newer one day STIF Core course with the e-learning component).

Other STI courses may be acceptable but the candidates must understand that the assessments are based on the level of knowledge and skills acquired through attending the STIF (pre 2010) or STIF Core courses.

All those that apply for the STIFLevel1Competency assessment will be able to access the e-learning modules that are required for STIF Core, this should act as an update of knowledge for those who have not done the STIF Core course. It is compulsory to complete the following list of modules (CLICK HERE) prior to undertaking the assessment. Certificates should be printed off following completion of each module

It should be emphasised that the main focus of this qualification is the assessment of competency, not just knowledge.

How much will it cost?

There will be a charge for the examination, details of which will be provided by your local STIFLevel1Competency assessment organiser. This will include a £25 central registration fee (per candidate) to BASHH.

Should the candidate fail to pass this assessment, re-assessment within a 12 month period (where feasible) will not be charged.

What does the assessment consist of?

There will be 3 stations with a simulated patient encounter using different sexual health scenarios. In order to be accredited through BASHH each candidate has to be found 'competent' at each of the 3 stations.

Each scenario will take approximately 20 minutes to complete and move on - hence the total assessment period is roughly an hour per candidate.

Successful candidates will be registered on the BASHH STIFLevel1Competency Database and have Certificates of Competence sent out to them shortly thereafter.

If you wish to register as a STIFLevel1 Competency Assessment lead, or wish to find out where the next available or your most local assessments are running, please contact Sue Bird at stif@suebird.biz.

1. Standards for the management of sexually transmitted infections. 2010, BASHH.
2. Competencies for providing more specialised sexually transmitted infection services within primary care. Assessment toolkit. 2006, Department of Health. (www.dh.gov.uk; Gateway reference - 7088)

STIF Competency working group:

Dr Penny Goold (Chair)
Dr Ashini Jayasuriya
Dr Jane Hutchinson
Dr Dason Evans
Ms Grainne Cooney