Adolescent HIV Care and Treatment for Clinicians and Psychosocial Providers in Jamaica

Adolescent HIV Care and Treatment
for Clinicians and Psychosocial
Providers in Jamaica

Welcome to the online course Adolescent HIV Care and Treatment for Clinicians and Psychosocial Providers in Jamaica. This comprehensive and self-paced course is designed to equip clinicians and psychosocial providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective care and support to adolescents living with HIV.

Introduction: Adolescence is a critical stage of development, and it presents unique challenges for individuals living with HIV. This course aims to enhance your understanding of adolescent HIV care and treatment, as well as equip you with essential skills in providing youth-friendly services.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Understand the unique nature of adolescence and the importance of youth-friendly services in HIV care.
  • Provide comprehensive clinical care to adolescents living with HIV.
  • Recognize and address the intersection between HIV and mental illness in adolescents.
  • Implement strategies to support adolescents’ retention in and adherence to HIV care and treatment.
  • Deliver sexual and reproductive health services tailored to the needs of adolescents.
  • Provide family planning and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services for adolescents.
  • Communicate effectively and provide counseling to adolescents.
  • Offer psychosocial support services that meet the specific needs of adolescents.
  • Understand and address nutrition considerations in HIV care for adolescents.

Target Audiences: This course is suitable for:

  • Clinicians, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals working with adolescents in HIV care and treatment.
  • Psychosocial providers, including social workers, counselors, and psychologists, involved in supporting adolescents living with HIV.
  • Public health practitioners and program managers focused on adolescent HIV care and treatment.
  • Educators and curriculum developers interested in enhancing their knowledge in this field.

Modules: This course consists of the following modules, to be completed in a linear order:

  1. Module 1: The Nature of Adolescence and Provision of Youth-Friendly Services
  2. Module 2: Clinical Care for Adolescents Living with HIV
  3. Module 3: Adolescents, HIV, and Mental Illness
  4. Module 4: Supporting Adolescents’ Retention in and Adherence to HIV Care and Treatment
  5. Module 5: Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for Adolescents
  6. Module 6: Family Planning and PMTCT Services for Adolescents
  7. Module 7: Communicating with and Counselling Adolescents
  8. Module 8: Providing Psychosocial Support Services for Adolescents
  9. Module 9: Nutrition Considerations for Adolescents

Course Format:

  • Asynchronous and self-paced online learning.
  • Accessible via any computer or mobile device.
  • Engaging multimedia content, including videos, case studies, and interactive activities.
  • Quizzes and assessments to reinforce learning and assess knowledge.
  • Discussion forums for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Certification: Upon successful completion of the course and all module assessments, participants will receive a certificate of achievement, recognizing their dedication to improving adolescent HIV care and treatment in Jamaica.

Enrol now and empower yourself with the skills and knowledge to provide comprehensive care and support to adolescents living with HIV in Jamaica!

For registration and more information contact training@ctech-caribbean.org.

 

Enrol Now:  https://forms.gle/niVWfX6DX7BJqiiL6

Joining Forces to Tackle NCDs!

Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Caribbean Training and Education Center for Health (C-TECH) team of Consultants had a fruitful meeting with Dr. Hon. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, on July 14, 2023. Joined by his NCD team at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, we discussed the Caribbean Development Bank funded Caribbean Moves project. This initiative aims to improve the health of the Caribbean region and combat non-communicable diseases. Stay tuned for updates on our collaborative efforts!

A stressful work environment can contribute to several health issues both mentally and physically, these may include headache, insomnia, stomach-aches, anxiety, difficulty concentrating high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. 

It is important then that we take meaningful steps to ensure that we are manging our own personal space to avoid some of these issues. Our assumption, perception and expectation affect how we react to others and life situations and ultimately how we view how jobs. When assumption, expectations and perceptions are not met, we respond through our thought’s feelings and behaviours. It is important to practice positive thinking as our thoughts affects how we feel, and our feelings affects how we behave.

Here are some tips to help you with your work environment:

  • Seek for clarity instead of trying to convince yourself of what others are thinking
  • Refrain from personalisation, not everything mentioned is a direct attack on you
  • Invest in self care
  • Set limits
  • Proper nutrition
  • Connect with people

We often here people expressing how stressed they are feeling or how over worked they are, not having enough time to do the things they like such as spending time with friend and families or even a few self-care activities. We have watch families suffer due to long working hours as well as our jobs due to loss of interest and enthusiasm resulting from burnout. 

When workers are balanced and happy, they are more productive, take fewer sick days, and are more likely to stay in their jobs.

Here is how you can accomplish work life balance

At work    

  • Set manageable goals each day. 
  • Be efficient with your time at work. 
  • Take five. 
  • Communicate effectively.
  • Give yourself a break. 

         At Home

  • Don’t over commit. 
  • Get support. 
  • Stay active. 
  • Treat your body right. 
  • Get help if you need it. 

Tameca Dempster-Mattocks is an accomplished Associate Counseling Psychologist and Financial Counsellor, holding an M.Sc. Degree in Counselling and Social Work from Mico University College, along with multiple certifications in mental health from the University of Washington.

 

Currently, she holds the positions of Regional Psychologist – NERHA and Mental Health Program Coordinator at the Caribbean Training & Education Center for Health (C-TECH). Tameca has successfully managed regional mental health projects, overseeing and leading impactful initiatives that positively influence the mental well-being of individuals in the region. 

 

With a passion for community service, Tameca actively contributes to various private and charitable organizations, dedicating her time as a volunteer to support community members and at-risk youth.

Contact us for mental health support services