Evaluation of a training module for the assessment and diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases

Utilization of a training module significantly increased assessment and diagnosis practices of 12 volunteer examiners at a free standing STD clinic, as measured by an audit tool, compared to 12 volunteer examiners who did not use the training module. Demographic data were related to age, sex, work experience in the health care system, and length of time volunteering at the clinic. The majority of volunteer examiners (83.4%) had 1-4 weeks or minimal experience at the selected STD clinic, and no formal training or education, yet with the training module were able to perform better on assessment and diagnosis of STDs. Recommendations are that orientation programs for volunteer examiners at free standing STD clinics include a formal training module followed with an audit tool, and dissemination of the training module and audit tool to private and public clinics that treat STDs.