Asymptomatic Screening of STIs and HIV (Principles and Practice of)

This module is not scheduled to run in 2013/4.

Expressions of interest in the module are welcome for 2014/5; please email healthadmissions@cumbria.ac.uk

Why study with us?

This module is designed to enable you to develop knowledge and skills in asymptomatic screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. It includes an essential component of practice based learning (minimum 18 hours) and assessment, to enable you to development your competence in a supervised learning environment.

It is envisaged that practitioners who successfully complete this module will be able to continue to work and maintain their competence within a sexual health setting. Typically, you will already be working in a setting with clients who have sexual health needs.

Finance

If you are employed within NHS North West and this module is to be funded by your employing Trust, please contact your Line Manager and CPD Lead for advice relating to funding and the funding application process.

Resources and facilities

We are amongst the UK’s leading health and wellbeing faculties and are proud of the high level of support we are able to offer to our students. We provide a wide range of high-quality courses supported by expert academic and clinical practice staff. If you join us you will enjoy great facilities and learn alongside caring, committed and experienced professionals. Our employment record is excellent.

Entry requirements

Evidence of prior successful study at underpinning level.

More information about levels and credits.

Credit and UCAS requirements Credit: 20 credits Selection criteria

You must be working with clients who have sexual health needs and must have access to working in an appropriate sexual health setting for a minimum of 18 hours of practice, with supervision and assessment by a qualified mentor.

Modules

HPHS6002 Asymptomatic Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV (20 credits at level 6) and HPHS9002 Qualificatory Practice Unit for Asymptomatic Screening for STIs and HIV

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of HPHS6002, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of asymptomatic screening in the context of your role.
• Critically examine and apply national and local policy and evidence based practice guidelines.
• Reflect upon your development and achievement of the full range of competencies required.
• Identify the legal, professional and ethical issues of asymptomatic screening in the context of your role.
• Critically explore and discuss sexual health service provision relating to integrated working methods and referral pathways.

To complete the practice component of the module, you will undertake the Qualificatory Practice Unit for Asymptomatic Screening for STIs and HIV. On successful completion, you will have:

• Successfully complete a period of practice development within your workplace, supervised and assessed by a qualified mentor.
• Identify your learning needs in practice, in liaison with your mentor, and devise action plans to meet those needs.
• Explore learning opportunities in relation to meeting identified learning needs and achievement of the RCN sexual health competencies
• Critically reflect on your progress in practice.

Indicative core bibliography

Adler, M.W.(ed.) (2004) ABC of Sexually Transmitted Infections. 5th Ed. Oxford: Wiley/Blackwell

Barlow, D. (2011) Sexually Transmitted Infections: The facts (3rd ed.) Oxford: OUP.

French, K. (2009) Sexual Health; Essential Clinical Skills for Nurses. Oxford: Wiley Blackwell

Glaiser, A., Gebbie., A. (2007) Handbook of Family Planning and Reproductive Sexual Health, 5th. Ed. London: Churchill Livingstone.

Ison, A.S., Lewis, D. (2006). Sexually transmitted infections: UK National Screening and Testing Guidelines. Oxford,: Wiley/Blackwell.

Health Protection Agency (2005) Mapping the Issues:HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in the UK. London: Health Protection Agency

McVeigh, E., Hombury, R., Guillebaud, J. (2011) Oxford Handbook of Reproductive Medicine and Family Planning. Oxford: OUP.

Department of Health (2001) National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV: Better Prevention, Better Sexual Health. London: Department of Health

Pattman et. Al., (eds) (2010) The Oxford handbook of genitourinary medicine, HIV and sexual health, (2nd ed.) Oxford: OUP.

www.bashh.org

Perspectives on Reproductive and Sexual Health Journal.

Journal of the National Association of Nurses for Contraception and Sexual Health.

International Journal of Sexual Health.

Nursing & Midwifery Council (2008) Standards to support learning and assessment in practice. NMC standards for mentors, practice teachers and teachers. London: NMC.

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) (2009) Sexual Health Competencies: an integrated career and competency framework for sexual and reproductive health nursing across the UK. London: RCN.

Module assessment

3,500 word written assignment and practical skills assessment

Practice Assessment

You will undertake a period of practice development within a sexual health service (minimum of 18 hours) and will be assessed against a range of competencies, taken from the RCN (2009) Sexual Health Competencies for a registered practitioner. You must have access to a qualified mentor within a sexual health setting, who will assess your development of competence. Evidence of your arrangements for a placement and mentorship are a requirement for admission onto the module.

Course summary

Revision of relevant reproductive anatomy and physiology; pathophysiology of STIs and HIV; epidemiology; data collection, collation and interpretation; evidence based practice; sexual history taking; therapeutic communication; clinical screening skills; partner notification; legal, professional and ethical issues; sexual health promotion; referral pathways; integrated service provision and screening opportunities.