Qualificação de profissionais da saúde para testagem rápida de Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis: experiência da Escola de Saúde Pública de Minas Gerais

Qualification of health professionals for the rapid testing of Sexually Transmitted InfectionsInfections: the experience of the School of Public Health of Minas Gerais

Abstract

Abstract: This article aims at reporting an experience carried out by the School of Public Health of Minas Gerais for the qualification of Primary Health Care professionals to perform rapid testing of Sexually Transmitted Infections), especially HIV/Aids, Syphilis and Viral Hepatitis. Attending to the demand presented by the Health Secretariat of Minas Gerais, the School developed a training methodology to qualify professionals to perform all stages of rapid testing, including the practical training and preparation for drop-in and advice services prior, during and after testing. The course was offered in a decentralized way, from June 2019 to March 2020 in seven health regionals of the state. In sum, 704 PHS professionals from Minas Gerais were qualified. The course’s positive evaluation, in the perception of qualified professionals, attests to the success of the initiative. Recent data on the notification of these diseases, in turn, reinforce the necessity to continue investments in the qualification of professionals to advance the implementation of rapid testing in the state.