True offers free clinical antenatal syphilis training

Queensland has recently experienced an increase in infectious syphilis cases in addition to all Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs). Over the past 5-year period, Queensland had a 46% rise in all syphilis notifications and an 84% increase in notifications concerning women of reproductive age. Seven percent of these women were pregnant, risking an increase in congenital syphilis and other pregnancy complications.

True Relationships & Reproductive, together with Queensland Health, have developed a training program to ensure health care providers are aware of the rise in syphilis and the critical need for sexual health assessments during pregnancy.

The positive news is that syphilis is easily treated and cured, further reducing potentially fatal complications to unborn babies. For this reason, sexual health assessments in pregnancy are essential to early detection of STIs and enable early treatment and appropriate specialised management where required — which further aims to keep both mother and baby safe and healthy.

The ‘ASK’ (Antenatal Sexual health Kit) training program offers training in sexual health assessments during pregnancy. The skills required to discuss, offer and conduct a sexual health assessment with a pregnant patient can be daunting to undertake. The ASK training program aims to provide and equip healthcare providers with tools and information to confidently undertake these assessments.

The ASK course aims to increase the knowledge of healthcare providers in the areas of sexual health history assessments, contact tracing specific to pregnancy and partner notification which is an essential tool to prevent an infection or reinfection during pregnancy. The course explores how to approach the discussion to start contact tracing to ensure patients maintain optimal health during pregnancy.

The course package consists of Lunch with True - ASK Education Sessions delivered via zoom to your workplace, or a self-directed online webinar; interactive online learning modules, a podcast series and online resource hub. 

The course package aims to provide resources and tools to support GPs, GP registrars, nurse practitioners, general practice nurses, registered nurses, registered midwives, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners in providing appropriate care aimed at reducing the incidence of syphilis in pregnancy aligned with the Queensland Health Syphilis in Pregnancy (SiP) Guidelines.

This course and resources within the Kit are free and endorsed by Queensland Health.

Registration for the ASK course is essential to unlock the webinars, online training, and resource hub.