Project Summary:
In Wisconsin, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a growing public health issue affecting young people aged 20-34 and disproportionately impacting Black residents, who represent nearly half of all syphilis cases and over 60% of gonorrhea cases. There have been concerning increases in STI rates in recent years, with syphilis cases rising from 511 in 2018 to 1,916 in 2022, including an 81% increase in congenital syphilis. Healthcare providers outside of traditional STI clinics often miss or misdiagnose these infections, highlighting a critical need for expanded provider education and training.
Health Care Education and Training (HCET) will build on its successful 2023 pilot program to implement the STI Masterclass (STIM), providing four in-person training events across Wisconsin's different regions. Working closely with the Department of Health Services and local health departments, HCET will deliver 90-minute sessions led by local subject matter experts, covering STI prevalence, CDC guidelines, sexual history taking, expedited partner therapy, and collaboration between healthcare providers and disease intervention specialists. The program will specifically target emergency rooms, private primary care providers, dermatologists, and urgent care clinics.
This project will aim to build a network of healthcare providers across Wisconsin who can promptly identify and treat STIs, particularly in areas with high case rates. By strengthening the connections between clinicians and Disease Intervention Specialists, the project seeks to improve both individual and community health outcomes. The program will provide continuing education credits and focus on creating sustainable changes in clinical practice, ultimately contributing to more effective STI prevention and treatment throughout the state.
Community Partners: UW Madison School of Medicine and Public Health-Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services