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STI updates are blog posts from the BCCDC or our community partners about a variety of sexual health topics. These include program updates, clinical practice changes, new research, events, and more. We will not clutter your inbox with frequent emails, and your email address will not be used for any other purposes.
November 26, 2014 by Derek Kline, Outreach Nurse, Clinical Prevention Services, BCCDC, & Anna Kline, M.Psych., RCC
Anxiety and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) go hand-in-hand.[1,2] Worry can take many forms and is often related to fears about social stigma.[2,3] Waiting for the right time to get tested or waiting for results can also increase anxiety. Given these things, it’s not surprising that people present to you as worried or anxious.[1,2] There is…
September 12, 2014 by Gina Ogilvie, Medical Director, Clinical Prevention Services, BCCDC
Gonorrhea treatment in BC In 2012, treatment guidelines for gonorrhea evolved and recommendations for GC treatment in BC now are: First line treatment Cefixime 800 mg PO for one dose AND Either Azithromycin 1 gram x for one dose or Doxycycline 100 mg po BID for 7 days OR Ceftriaxone 250 mg IM (coupled with…
August 20, 2014 by Fiona Gold, Outreach Nurse, Clinical Prevention Services, BCCDC
How can organizations incorporate a trauma informed approach? In 1992, the US Congress directed SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) to direct their focus to substance abuse and mental health services for Americans in need. SAMHSA’s mandate was to translate research effectively and rapidly into the general health care system.[1] Canada has lagged…
August 6, 2014 by Andrea Szewchuk, MD, CCFP, Centre Organizer, Catherine White Holman Wellness Centre
Background Transgender people have unique health needs, particularly in regards to sexual health and HIV care. When combined with barriers to care, including fear of disclosure and real or perceived discrimination within social and health settings, extra care and knowledge is necessary to provide appropriate and culturally-competent sexual health care and screening. STI risks There…
July 22, 2014 by CATIE, Canada’s source for HIV and hepatitis C information
This article originally appeared on www.catie.ca. CATIE is Canada’s source for HIV and hepatitis C information. More and more, Canada’s health care professionals and frontline service providers are facing the increasing challenge of the hepatitis C epidemic. It is estimated that more than 242,000 people are living with HCV in Canada, and many of them…
July 2, 2014 by Muhammad Morshed, Program Head, Zoonotic Diseases & Emerging Pathogens, BC Public Health Microbiology Reference Laboratory
Background Syphilis, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum sub spp pallidum, can be sexually transmitted as well as spread from an infected mother to her fetus and through blood transfusions. Globally, 25 million people are infected with syphilis, with an estimated annual incidence of 12 million cases. In BC, syphilis infection rates are higher than…
May 14, 2014 by David Moore, Physician Lead STOP HIV, Provincial Health Services Authority
Background In British Columbia, there are an estimated 12,000 people living with HIV. Each year, 200-300 people ranging in age from 13 to 81 years old are diagnosed with HIV infection. Despite great advances in treatment, many people with HIV become quite ill, and some die each year because they do not test for HIV…
March 5, 2014 by Andrew Larcombe, Clinical supervisor, Addictions and Mental Health, Downtown Community Health Centre, VCH;, and Catherine Fallis, Registered Clinical Counsellor, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
“Spread the conference info to other health authorities, thank you, excellent” …
February 25, 2014 by Cheryl Prescott, RN(c) & Nurse Educator, Clinical Prevention Services, BCCDC
Revision process The College of Registered Nurses of BC (CRNBC) STI DST review process was initiated by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) in February 2013. A provincial working group (PWG) was established to form a collaborative STI DST revision process. Working group membership included practicing RN(C) and Nurse Leaders from each health authority…
January 24, 2014 by Cheryl Prescott, RN(C), Clinical Prevention Services Education, BCCDC
CRNBC Certified Practices The College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC) implemented CRNBC STI Certified Nursing Practice in 2010. Certified practice supports independent diagnosis and treatment of certain STI within the scope of registered nursing practice. (See Section 8: Nurses (Registered) and Nurse Practitioners Regulation of the Health Professions Act). CRNBC certified practices have…