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Canadian Public Health Association

Core Competencies for STBBI Prevention Cases

(2014)

The 26 core competencies for STBBI prevention reflect the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours that you need as a front-line service provider to strengthen services and improve health outcomes for those at risk of STBBIs.

A series of case scenarios have been created for each of the 26 core competencies for STBBI prevention. Each case consists of a fictitious scenario related to the competency; questions to self-assess your knowledge, skills, attitudes and practices; and, suggested resources for more information.

Refer to the self-assessment tool and learning plan to help you further assess your level of proficiency for each of the core competencies for STBBI prevention.

  1. Knowledge of STBBI transmission modes, infection and disease progression, and treatment options
    1. Demonstrates consistent use of universal precautions.
    2. Identifies, shares, and contextualizes best practices in the prevention of STBBI transmission.
    3. Understands that the presence of one STBBI may increase the risk of other infections.
    4. Demonstrates knowledge of bio-medical risks associated with sexual practices (including insertive, receptive, anal and vaginal).
    5. Recognizes the complex factors involved in assessing a person for risk in sexual and non-sexual decision making, including the need for intimacy and pleasure.
  2. Respect for the diverse range of beliefs, practices, and values that influence sexual practices and decision making
    1. Recognizes how the determinants of health (DoH) influence STBBI risk for specific populations.
    2. Understands how culture shapes an individual’s sexual health and decision making.
    3. Understands how stigma and discrimination can lead to further exclusion and isolation.
    4. Knows and appreciates the factors that impact vulnerability (FIV).
    5. Understands how a person’s experiences affect decisions about accessing services, getting tested, and having treatment.
  3. Effective use of interventions to modify the risk of STBBIs
    1. Creates and maintains appropriate boundaries within the client-service provider relationship.
    2. Identifies and applies harm reduction strategies.
    3. Applies approaches that meet the STBBI prevention needs of the client, such as motivational interviewing and active listening.
    4. Supports clients in making informed decisions while acknowledging they are experts in their own lives.
    5. Discusses sexual practices, related risks and prevention of STBBIs with a level of comfort.
    6. Puts situations in context in order to effectively meet the needs of those at increased risk of STBBIs.
  4. Advocacy on behalf of those at risk of STBBIs and living with HIV
    1. Demonstrates awareness of the impact that organizational policies and practices have on access to STBBI prevention services.
    2. Ensures a safe and respectful environment that does not isolate or marginalize clients.
    3. Identifies appropriate referral options for clients whose complex health needs may impact their risk of STBBIs.
    4. Acknowledges one’s own limitations and is able to support clients in the navigation of systems.
  5. Planning, implementation, adaptation, and evaluation of STBBI programs and policies
    1. Applies a health equity lens to inform programs, services, and interventions.
    2. Contextualizes disparity and adapts programs to ensure inequities are not increased.
    3. Knows the laws and organizational policies surrounding disclosure and confidentiality.
    4. Demonstrates an understanding and ability to adapt as necessary to people from diverse backgrounds.
    5. Ensures that programs and services are not only culturally relevant but also culturally safe for populations most at risk of infections.
    6. Applies organizational procedures, protocols, and standards to the delivery of STBBI services.

Learn more about STBBI prevention.

Last modified: June 19, 2017

Sexually Transmitted and Blood-borne Infections and Related Stigma

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