There is an ongoing outbreak of infectious syphilis in central and northern Australia (including Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia) among young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Notification rates are also increasing significantly in the Perth metropolitan area. 

This syphilis training website provides integral professional development for any health practitioners working in areas affected by the syphilis outbreak including doctors, nurses, midwives, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers.

• Epidemiology
• Current outbreak
• Outbreak responses
• Clinical stages
• Testing and management
• Contact tracing
• Interpreting results
• Notification

The module includes a short assessment for participants to demonstrate their competency.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify at risk populations to routinely test for syphilis in relation to the current outbreak in WA, SA, NT and QLD.
2. Describe the clinical stages of syphilis and identify clinical symptoms.
3. Interpret syphilis serology test results and administer recommended treatment as per scope of practice.
4. State the importance of syphilis partner notification and contact tracing.
5. Locate relevant national and state guidelines for the testing, management, contact tracing and notification of syphilis. 

Contact: Please email sexualhealth@ashm.org.au if you require assistance or have a clinical question you would like to raise with a medical educator.

Accreditation 

RACGP

Approved as an RACGP CPD Activity.
Activity ID: 190980
Allocated 4 CPD Program points.

ACN

This Online Learning Program is endorsed by Australian College of Nursing (ACN) according to our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Endorsed Course Standards. It has been allocated 2 CPD hours according to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia – Continuing Professional Development Standard.