Clinical Mentoring

C-TECH provides clinical support to care and treatment sites through several different clinical mentoring methodologies. This suite of activities consists of onsite mentoring, clinical consults via the HIV Warmline and the Viral Load Suppression Activity (VLSA). These components of C-TECH’s Clinical Mentoring Program support the provision of quality care and treatment in support of test & start, improve the comprehensive care of key populations, and focus specifically on ways to increase virologic suppression for all patients.

  • On-site mentoring and coaching – On-site mentoring and coaching are provided to clinicians at priority care and treatment sites in Jamaica. It involves expert sessions with clinicians as well as assistance with challenging cases during patient consultations. One focus is to strengthen antiretroviral therapy (ART) monitoring and the clinician’s ability to support patient retention, adherence, and viral suppression. On-site mentoring also includes delivering presentations focused on optimizing patient care, case consultations, and coaching related to the importance of Test and Start and Undetectable = Untransmissible (U=U).
  • HIV Warmline – C-TECH also offers an HIV Warmline to clinicians who require access to more immediate consultation. Our clinical mentors respond to healthcare workers requesting consultation on a wide range of topics including ART initiation and selection, the management of Opportunistic Infections as well as recommendations regarding the approach to managing antiretroviral side effects. C-TECH has expanded this service with the use of an online messaging group that offers consultation and advice from regional and international experts on HIV and HIV/Maternal Health management and regularly disseminates information on new developments in HIV care as well as upcoming training opportunities.
  • Viral Load Suppression Activity (VLSA)- This activity rapidly and efficiently contributes to an increase in viral suppression at the sites through enhanced case management and a patient-centered approach. The VLSA guides the teams on initiating ART based on the most up-to-date guidelines while ensuring adherence through various retention strategies engaging the patients in the processes to ensure patient-centered Anti-Retroviral selection, minimizing and explaining possible ART side effects, and providing psychosocial support to overcome adherence obstacles. Mentors assist with various steps of the VLSA, coordinate the implementation of the plans, and patient follow-up.
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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