Continuing professional development in HIV chronic disease management for primary care providers

Abstract

Primary care providers need continuing professional development (CPD) in order to improve their knowledge and confidence in the care of patients with chronic conditions. We developed an intensive modular CPD program in the chronic disease management of HIV for primary care providers. The program combines self-directed learning, interactive tutorials with experts, small group discussions, case studies, clinical training, one-on-one mentoring and individualized learning objectives. We trained 27 family physicians and 7 nurse practitioners between 2011 and 2013. The trainees reported high levels of satisfaction with the program. There was a 136.76% increase in the number of distinct HIV-positive patients receiving HIV-related medication refills that were prescribed by the trainees.

Acknowledgements

We thank Francesca Fung, Education Coordinator at the BC-CfE for her administrative work on the program. We also thank the preceptors as well as the family physicians and NPs who participated in the program.

Declaration of interest: Dr Montaner is supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Health for the STOP HIV/AIDS Initiative. Other authors report no conflict of interest.