The STI Foundation (STIF) Theory course provides multidisciplinary training in the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for the diagnosis, management and prevention of common STIs. It is a hybrid course made up of approximately 10 hours of e-learning and some pre-recorded lectures (both as preparation to be done before the course) followed by three online sessions lasting about 5 hours each. These Foundation Theory One, Two & Three sessions will be delivered via MS Teams on 2nd, 9th & 16th December 2021 and comprise a mixture of whole group teaching sessions and small group workshops, at least one of which is delivered by a clinician working in primary care.   The course is suitable for nurses, HCAs, health advisers and doctors from primary care, contraception/sexual health services, GUM services and Pharmacists. Depending on previous training and experience one, two or three sessions can be attended.  

• Introductory session suitable for all primary care staff including HCAs and pharmacists
• Covers basics of sexual health; taking a sexual history; telemedicine; routine diagnostic tests; partner notification; HIV risk assessment; sexual health promotion & risk reduction

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Knowledge and Understanding – When you complete your studies for this course, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

• KU1 the principles of service provision for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and related conditions
• KU2 the issues relating to confidentiality and partner notification
• KU3 the epidemiology and the factors involved in the transmission of STIs
• KU4 how to prevent transmission of STIs
• KU5 common STIs and related conditions, their presentation, diagnosis and management
• KU6 when to refer patients to specialist services

Cognitive Skills – On completion of this course you will have developed the following cognitive skills:

• CS7 able to evaluate the ways in which the lifestyle and circumstances of patients/clients may reflect in their presentation and impact on their management
• CS8 able to analyse how the range of human sexuality, lifestyles and culture impacts on transmission and approaches to prevention and risk reduction
• CS9 able to critically evaluate how personal beliefs and values of the clinician could affect the consultation

Key Skills – When you complete this course, you will be able to:

• KS10 draw on a range of resources to provide evidence-based management to people presenting to your service with sexual and reproductive health needs
• KS11 articulate your contribution to risk reduction and STI prevention in your own service
• KS12 reflect on the essential role of effective partner notification when dealing with an infectious disease
• KS13 demonstrate the importance of confidentiality in consultations involving sexual health