Laying the Groundwork for Optimal STD Care - Provider Training in a Resource-Constrained Setting

Background: In the US Virgin Islands (USVI), STD control is hindered by a lack of resources. Although labs are mandated to report, the USVI Department of Health (DOH) does not have a complete surveillance system. Private providers lack knowledge regarding reporting requirements and USVI DOH resources. The high cost of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) contributes to the underutilization of these tests. Since the USVI DOH lacks the resources to determine provider practices, in Region II, the CDC-funded STD/HIV Prevention Training Center collaborated with the Title X Family Planning Training Center and the Infertility Prevention Project to offer two one-day conferences in St. Croix and St. Thomas in January 2009.  Goals of the conference were to identify provider practices to improve the provision of STD care in resource-poor settings and to educate providers on USVI DOH resources.

Objectives: To describe early outcomes from delivering provider training in a resource-constrained setting.

Methods: Participant-completed evaluation data were analyzed and shared with the USVI DOH.  Resulting activities were tabulated.   

Results: Participants gave an overall 4.6/5 rating on how well the conference met educational objectives. Post-conference, the USVI DOH began facilitating the use of inexpensive NAAT testing for private providers through a contract with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services laboratory. The USVI DOH worked with hospitals to implement NAAT testing and free treatment in emergency rooms. In addition, the USVI DOH is conducting training with private providers and OB/GYN hospital providers regarding reporting cases and is distributing STD resources.

Conclusions: There is a need for provider education in this resource-constrained setting. This training resulted in activities which may link providers with DOH resources while disseminating knowledge regarding testing, reporting and partner management.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and/or Research: STD provider training can greatly benefit health professionals working in resource-poor settings.