Background:
The CDC-funded STI/HIV Prevention Training Centers (PTCs) have for over 25 years provided intensive training courses to healthcare providers to improve communication, STD/HIV diagnosis, and STD/HIV treatment. Research is needed to assess whether post-course gains are sustained and result in improved practices.

Objective:
To assess long-term retention and implementation in practice of knowledge and skills of STD/HIV providers following an intensive clinical training course.

Method:
62 of 95 clinicians (65%) who participated in 27 three-day intensive clinical skills training sessions offered by the Denver PTC between 2001 and 2004 were evaluated 6 months after training. Knowledge, skills, and practice patterns at the long term follow-up survey were compared to pre-course practice patterns and pre- and post-course knowledge and skills.

Result:
Immediate post-training gains in mean scores for STI/HIV knowledge (11.87 ±2.94 to 14.64 ±3.32, p< .001) were sustained at 6 months (13.35 ±4.63) and remained significant compared to pre-training knowledge (p< .05). Respondents' skill levels improved significantly immediately post-training (p< .001) and long term (p< .001) in three dimensions: communication, technical, diagnostic skills. The greatest long-term practice improvement was an increase in frequency of talking with adolescents about condom use (p<0.05). Improvements at 6 months from pre-training baseline were significant for 6 of 24 lab and screening practices, including serology for syphilis (p< .05), serology for HIV (p< .05), and screening asymptomatic sexually active females < 25 with new sex partners in the last 3 months for gonorrhea (p<.01). 42.1% of respondents reported increased STD/HIV-related job responsibilities.

Conclusion:
Improvements in STD/HIV knowledge and clinical skills can be retained or even increased 6 months following a 3-day intensive clinical training. Sustained improvement for some practice patterns was demonstrated.

Implications:
Providers' participation in an intensive training course improves the quality of the STD care.