Viral Load Counselling and Education Skills

Viral Load Education & Counseling

Introduction: Welcome to the Viral Load Education & Counseling course! This module will provide an overview of the course and review the requirements for successful completion.

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

  1. Understand the basic principles of viral load monitoring and antiretroviral therapy (ART) resistance.
  2. Apply basic counseling skills to improve adherence among patients.
  3. Describe the enhanced adherence support model.
  4. Use the Viral Load Monitoring and Enhanced Adherence Counseling Flipchart to help patients understand their viral load results and maintain adherence.

Target Audiences: This course is designed for healthcare providers involved in HIV care and counseling. The target audiences include:

  • Physicians
  • Nurses
  • Counselors
  • Social workers
  • Other healthcare professionals involved in HIV care

Modules:

  1. Module 1: Course Introduction
  2. Module 2: Principles of Viral Load Monitoring
  3. Module 3: Basics of ART Resistance and Treatment Failure
  4. Module 4: Supporting Behavior Change
  5. Module 5: How to Use the Adult Viral Load Flipchart
  6. Module 6: Counseling Adolescents Using the Viral Load Flipchart
  7. Module 7: Counseling Children and Caregivers Using the Viral Load Flipchart
  8. Final Quiz Covering Modules 1-7
  9. Course Feedback Survey

Course Format:

  • Self-paced online learning.
  • Recorded presentations and interactive exercises.
  • Viral load flipcharts available for download.
  • Multiple-choice quiz at the end of the course.
  • Course feedback survey to provide feedback on the learning experience.
  • Stable internet connection recommended. Offline access to recorded modules and transcripts available for unstable connections.

Certification: Certificates of completion will be provided upon successfully finishing the course. To receive the certificate, you must complete all modules and pass the final quiz.

Before You Begin: Before starting the course, please keep the following in mind:

  • This course is self-paced, allowing you to progress at your own speed.
  • Review the course requirements and create a study plan for completing each module.
  • Find a dedicated study space free from distractions.
  • If your internet connection is unstable, download the recorded modules or transcripts for offline use.

Embark on this journey to enhance your knowledge and skills in viral load monitoring and patient education. Start the course now and make a positive impact in supporting patients with HIV!

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

Telephone #: 8764161449

Email: wellness@ctech-caribbean.org