Competency-based training for HIV/AIDS care: The Columbia University MTCT-Plus Initiative

M Rabkin, M Murrman, E J Abrams, W El-Sadr
Columbia University, New York, United States

Issues: The Columbia University MTCT-Plus Initiative provides multidisciplinary HIV/AIDS care and treatment to families in resource-poor settings. Training is an integral part of the support given to MTCT-Plus programs; more than 400 people in 8 countries were trained by the MTCT-Plus Initiative in 2003 and hundreds more will be trained in 2004. Our training is grounded in specific program competencies, subcompetencies, and learning objectives.

Description: Program competencies were developed by the Training Working Group (TWG), individuals with educational, clinical and programmatic expertise, who were charged to answer the question: what specific skills will program staff need in order to implement the MTCT-Plus model of care? Competencies were developed for clinicians, support staff, administrative and pharmacy staff, and patients/families. Subcompetencies and learning objectives were developed for each visit type: screening and intake, baseline clinical assessment, counseling, antiretroviral initiation, routine follow-up, adherence support, laboratory assessment, pharmacy visits, and home visits. The work has been field-tested at 12 MTCT-Plus programs and shared with partner organizations including WHO, ITAC, IAS, IAPAC, and others.

Lessons learned/ recommendations: The MTCT-Plus Initiative has developed and field-tested competencies, subcompetencies and learning objectives for HIV/AIDS care and treatment programs in resource-poor settings. These have been the foundation of our training activities and should be helpful to other programs as well. Our materials are available from mtctplus@columbia.edu and at www.mtctplus.org.

The XV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no. E10611

Suggested Citation
" M Rabkin, et al. Competency-based training for HIV/AIDS care: The Columbia University MTCT-Plus initiative. CD Only: The XV International AIDS Conference: Abstract no. E10611"