Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Project
GP NSW will run a project that links closely to the NSW Sexually Transmitted Infections Programs Unit (STIPU). The project, funded by NSW Health, will be developed in partnership with the NSW STIPU, which currently runs an ongoing program to support general practice management of STIs. GP NSW will work to support GPs to access the full range of information, education and resources available; including links with local specialist sexual health services (PFSHS) in order to increase the amount of opportunistic STI testing conducted by GPs. The project will also assist to identify barriers to, and opportunities for, further improvements in GP STI management and contact tracing within general practice.
The main objectives of the project are to:
- identify gaps in GP referral to, and use of, specialist STI services and to clarify the referral pathways between PFSHS and GPs;
- increase NSW GPs' access to STI information, education and resources; and
- increase GP access and understanding of contact tracing process and procedures.
The activities included in this project will:
- work in partnership with the STIPU GP project manager, GP NSW and individual Divisions of General Practice to map existing services and linkages;
- facilitate the development of formal links between Divisions of General Practice and publicly funded sexual health services;
- promote the full range of STI education resources and training options available from both government and non-government organisations, including: STIPU active learning modules, APNA training modules, GP testing tool, practice nurse post-card, AChSHM STI training modules etc;
- run a one-off workshop for Division staff to discuss STI education, contact tracing and ongoing support opportunities to GPs around STIs. Divisions will be funded from project funds to attend this workshop;
- work with the STIPU GP working group to develop, promote and distribute a brief guide to partner notification (contact tracing) for general practitioners; and
- analyse GP NSW program areas for potential inclusion of STI issues within regular program work.
Liz Meadley has been appointed as the STI Program Coordinator at GP NSW to facilitate the roll out of this project. Liz will be working two days a week (Mon/Tues) for the 18-month project time-frame. Liz can be contacted by phoning her mobile 0458 232 322 or via email at lizmeadley@gpnsw.com.au.