Thinking Beyond HIV: Challenges to Developing Training for Integrated Screening and Prevention Approaches that Encourage Program Collaboration and Service Integration (PCSI)

BACKGROUND: Philadelphia performance site of AIDS Education and Training Center (AETC) has provided technical assistance to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) on Program Collaboration and Service Integration (PCSI) since 2008. In September 2010, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) was one of six jurisdictions chosen by CDC to be a demonstration project for Program Collaboration and Service Integration (PCSI) across HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis programs. The AETC is leading the development of integrated training curriculum that encourages streamlined patient education and screening based on common means of transmission. OBJECTIVE: To design integrated training which encourages HIV providers to expand patient education and screening efforts to include STDs and viral hepatitis. To evaluate participant feedback on a pilot training integrating HIV, STD and viral hepatitis content. METHODS: Multi-disciplinary planning committee reviewed existing certification training required of local Ryan White and CDC funded HIV test counselors. Pilot training on integrated screening and education will be developed and offered to current HIV testers. Training evaluation feedback will be analyzed and incorporated into final training module. RESULTS: Local early adopters for service integration of various sexually acquired diseases are expected to be the first to engage in the pilot training, contributing to the development of the training. More integrated screening and prevention services will be available to local patients. CONCLUSION: Developing integrated HIV, STD and viral hepatitis training will encourage HIV providers to explore opportunities for integrated prevention and screening services.