AEGiS-15IAC: Modular training improves access to quality care for PLWHA across the continuum.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Modular training improves access to quality care for PLWHA across the continuum.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. E10249)

Downing J, O'Keeffee C, Hancock M, Pratt L, Chikotola B, Angulo J
Mildmay International, Kampala, Uganda

BACKGROUND: Mildmay International runs a modular internationally validated 18-month Diploma in HIV/AIDS Care and Management, which was developed in Kenya. The programme is also being run through The Mildmay Centre in Kampala.

METHOD: 24 participants attended the Diploma course in Kampala from June 2002 to November 2003. At the end of the course an evaluation of its impact on the students and their work practices was carried out. Focus group discussions were held with the students and questionnaires completed by the students and their supervisors.

RESULTS: All students said that they had changed through doing the diploma and that they would recommend others to do the course. Changes were seen in 4 broad areas:1) What they had learnt - they had learnt new skills and knowledge and had begun to think more critically and analytically.2) In the care that is given to PLWHAs - 100% of them felt that the care they provide for PLWHAs has improved since starting the Diploma and is becoming more holistic.3) In themselves - they all felt more confident and more sure of their abilities and noted changes in their attitudes to PLWHA. The course had also had a knock-on effect into their private life as they were able to apply some of the things they had learnt in different settings.4) As part of the course they had developed project proposals based on needs assessments carried out in their organisations, thus providing practical examples as to how care will be improved (e.g. through discharge planning in the prisons). They also found challenges during the course; however, they were able to see how they had learnt from these challenges.

CONCLUSION: At the time of completion of the course it was already possible to see the positive impact that the course had had on the participants, helping them increase access to quality care for PLWHAs. Future courses will be held in Uganda and Kenya and work is ongoing to get the course validated locally as well as internationally.

Keywords: AEGIS, Curriculum, Education, Medical, Undergraduate, Students, Medical, Clinical Competence, Students, Nursing, Questionnaires, Focus Groups, Teaching, Schools, Medical, Clinical Clerkship, Education, Medical, Continuing, Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate, Nursing Education Research, Students, Education, Medical, Attitude, Faculty, Medical, Education, Nursing, Graduate, Kenya, Uganda, education

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E10249