Sexually transmitted infections and Cervical screening

This course is structured into nine comprehensive units that cover sexually transmitted infections and cervical screening, providing practical knowledge and clinical insights for healthcare professionals.

Unit 1: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
This unit introduces common STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and bloodborne viruses like hepatitis and HIV. Participants will learn about the prevalence, risk factors, and routes of transmission, as well as the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Unit 2: The Role of the GP
This unit explores the role of general practitioners in screening, diagnosing, and managing STIs. It emphasizes the importance of sexual history taking, pretest counseling, and addressing asymptomatic infections through routine consultations.

Unit 3: Management
This unit covers the management of STIs, focusing on evidence-based treatment protocols for common infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis. It also discusses broader screening for bloodborne viruses and the importance of partner notification and treatment​.

Unit 4: Contact Tracing and Prevention
This unit highlights the importance of contact tracing to contain infections and prevent further transmission. Participants will learn how to counsel patients on notifying partners, maintaining confidentiality, and preventing reinfection.

Unit 5: Cervical Screening
This unit provides an overview of the cervix, its anatomy, and the role of HPV in cervical cancer. It discusses the transition from Pap smears to the more effective Cervical Screening Test (CST) and explains the new screening intervals.

Unit 6: Cervical Screening - Guidelines and Vaccination
Expanding on Unit 5, this section covers the current guidelines for cervical screening, the role of HPV vaccination in reducing cervical cancer risk, and best practices for applying these guidelines in clinical care​.

Unit 7: CST versus the Co-Test
This unit explains the difference between the Cervical Screening Test (CST) and the co-test, which involves both HPV testing and cytology. It outlines which patients are eligible for self-collection and those who require the co-test​.

Unit 8: The Results
This unit focuses on interpreting the results of cervical screening tests. Participants will learn how to classify results into low, intermediate, or high-risk categories and determine when colposcopy or further treatment is required​.

Unit 9: Colposcopy
The final unit covers the procedure of colposcopy, including indications, such as HPV 16/18 detection or suspicious cytology. It explains how colposcopy is performed and when biopsy or treatment for cervical abnormalities is necessary.

This course is ideal for general practitioners and healthcare providers looking to improve their skills in STI management and cervical cancer prevention, ensuring evidence-based care for their patients.