STI Foundation Course learning objectives
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1. Learning objectives from sessions on STIF CORE day
Epidemiology of STIs
Be able to:
 describe national and regional rates of common STIs
 demonstrate understanding of trends in STI and HIV infection rates in your local area
 identify sub-populations at greater risk of STIs/HIV
Service provision and role of primary care
Be able to:
 describe recent changes in policy and specialist practice
 list linked sexual health disorders
 describe clinical pathways and potential for shared care between GUM and primary
care
 recall the particular issues of confidentiality in the context of sexual health
Sexual history taking, recognition of symptoms and risk assessment
Be able to describe:
 the key components of a sexual history
 the concerns of a patient who suspects that s/he may have an STI and describe
strategies to deal with these
 the verbal and non-verbal factors which may affect a consultation
 the experience of a consultation about STIs from a patient's perspective
 ways of raising the issue of STIs in a routine consultation
Examination, swabs and tests
Be able to:
 describe the GMC guidance on chaperones for intimate examination
 describe the essential steps involved in genital examination
 list the principles behind diagnostic tests in use (culture; NAATs etc)
 communicate effectively with patients about ‘window periods’
Partner notification (PN)
Be able to identify:
 the aims of PN
 the key elements of the PN process
 strategies for addressing PN in primary care
STI control and prevention – Health promotion
Be able to:
• describe the rationale behind sexual health promotion
• define important target populations with greater risk of sexual ill-health (eg under 16s;
MSM, CSW etc)
• list examples of sexual health promotion relevant to selected scenarios
• describe the target populations for Hepatitis B immunisation
• recall the schedules for Hepatitis B immunisation
 explain briefly the role of Motivational Interviewing in Sexual Health
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Genital sores
 Be able to take an appropriate history from a woman presenting with genital sores or
soreness
 Be able to consider the relevant clinical features
 Be able to formulate a differential diagnosis
 Know how to take specific tests and interpret them
 Understand the limitations of commonly used genital tests
 Know the value and place of treatment
 Arrange appropriate additional care
HIV testing/diagnosing in practice
Be able to:
 identify why people have an HIV test (e.g. new relationship, physical symptoms, HIV+ve
partner, antenatal, occupational exposure, worried well, sexual risk either voluntary or
forced)
 assess risk for HIV infection
 describe who to test on risk or clinical scenarios
 list indications for screening at risk populations
 carry out a pretest discussion (not a counselling session; factual and supportive)
 give results (positive and negative)
 identify and describe barriers to testing in non-GUM settings
 discuss issues around confidentiality in primary care, including record keeping
 describe local pathways for HIV care
 list indications for post-exposure prophylaxis (occupational and/or sexual)
Vaginal discharge and pelvic pain
 Be able to take an appropriate history from a woman presenting with vaginal
discharge and/or pelvic pain
 Be able to consider the relevant clinical features
 Be able to formulate a differential diagnosis
 Know which tests to take, how to take and interpret them
 Give appropriate treatment and additional care
Young People and Sexual Health
 Increase awareness of sexual health needs of young people
 Develop skills in identifying vulnerable young people and carrying out a risk
assessment
 Be able to explore sexual health issues with young people and offer STI testing and
contraception where appropriate
 Be aware of local services that support young people with health care and emotional
needs and offer these where appropriate
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2. Learning objectives from sessions on STIF PLUS day
HIV in primary care
Be able to:
 describe the natural history of HIV infection
 list the benefits of a person knowing their HIV status
 describe current guidelines on testing for HIV
 recognise common HIV presentations
 list features associated with primary HIV infection
 describe the principles behind drug therapy for HIV
Syphilis
Be able to:
 describe symptoms or signs of syphilis
 take an appropriate history
 identify relevant clinical features
 formulate a differential diagnosis
 know what tests to perform in order to exclude or refute a diagnosis of syphilis
 demonstrate a basic understanding of serological tests
 list the treatment options available
 outline additional management, including follow-up and PN
Male dysuria, discharge, scrotal pain and testicular lumps
Be able to:
 take an appropriate sexual history from a man with dysuria/pain/lumps
 list a differential diagnosis for male dysuria, testicular lumps and testicular pain
 demonstrate a pragmatic approach to management in practice
Genital skin conditions
Be able to:
 appropriately manage patients presenting with genital dermatoses including
o taking an appropriate sexual history
o performing a relevant clinical examination
o formulating a differential diagnosis and primary management plan
Working with MSM and other high-risk groups
Be able to
 understand the diversity of clients who are MSM
 distinguish between sexual orientation and sexual identity
 take a sexual history ensuring that the gender of each sexual partner is asked and making
sure any same sex relationships have been addressed
 know how to take specific tests
 offer Hepatitis B vaccination appropriately
 give appropriate treatment
 understand the role/s of other members of the multidisciplinary team
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Sexual Assault
 Be aware of the prevalence of sexual assault and the low conviction rates in the UK
 Understand the legal definitions of rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault and
consent as detailed in the Sexual Offences Act 2003
 Be aware of the immediate and longer term needs of a patient alleging sexual assault
 Understand what referral options are available and how to proceed with these
 Be able to identify when Chain of Evidence is indicated and how to perform this
Viral hepatitis
Be able to:
 outline ways Hepatitis A, B and C can be transmitted and highlight relevant risk factors
 describe the clinical presentations
 demonstrate understanding of the diagnostic tests
 outline the management of chronic viral hepatitis
 discuss prevention and immunisation
STIs in Pregnancy
Be able to:
 describe the antenatal screening programme for STIs in pregnancy
 list the STIs and other genital infections that can affect pregnancy
 describe the complications to the mother and impact on the foetus of specific infections
 discuss management aspects
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