Background: Clinical training regarding STDs is of key importance for all medical providers to ensure optimal patient management in accordance with national guidelines. Didactic presentations can efficiently convey information, but do not necessarily result in changes in practice or an increase in skill level. Experiential trainings provide hands-on practice in developing new skills. The NNPTC addresses the STD/HIV educational needs of clinical providers through both didactic and experiential training; however many clinicians are not aware of the array of experiential trainings available.

Purpose: To increase awareness of interactive and experiential training activities for STD clinicians, and to provide a “taste” of skill-building experiences.

Methods (instructional approach): Didactic presentations: Experiential vs didactic trainings, outlining NNPTC experiential courses and components in the following areas: (30 minutes, Coury-Doniger and Hsu) A. Exam skills courses B. Laboratory procedure courses for the STD specialty lab C. Precepting in model STD clinics D. Skills for nurse clinicians using standing order protocols in rural clinic settings E. Interactive web-based courses on STD case management

What happens now: transition to Skills-building stations (10 minutes)

Skill-building stations: Participants will participate in two Skill-building stations, facilitated by faculty: (45 minutes each, with 5 minutes for change in between) A. Performing a qualitative RPR test, and syphilis serology case discussion. Creegan B. Taking a sexual history/risk assessment and using behavior change counseling. Coury-Doniger C. Exam with male and female pelvic models. Harbison and Rompalo D. Managing partners and preventing re-infections. Bachmann