In light of decreasing but ongoing new HIV infections in Ontario each year, the updated Ontario HIV testing guidelines introduces a four-pronged approach to testing that aims to help reach persons with undiagnosed HIV infection. The updated guidelines will be discussed in this session. The first prong is to find new/recent infections by recognizing the signs/symptoms of acute HIV infection and to make providers aware of recent advances in HIV testing technology that reduces the HIV testing window of six weeks. The second prong is to find chronic infections by recognizing indicator conditions commonly overlooked in people with HIV. The third prong is to offer testing to at-risk members of populations with higher rates of HIV, including gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, including trans men, African, Caribbean, and Black populations, Indigenous Peoples, people who use drugs, particularly if their drug use involves injection, and cis and trans women, especially those who face systemic and social inequities. The fourth prong is to identify people in other care situations.
Intended audience: Public health physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, STBBI case managers, supervisors, Medical Officers of Health overseeing public health units, front-line physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners in public health sexual health clinics
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify population groups that should be tested for HIV according to the new Ontario HIV testing guidelines
- Describe scenarios and conditions where it is appropriate to test (and retest) people for HIV; and
- List additional HIV prevention interventions and when to recommend them.
Presenter(s): Patrick O’Byrne, NP, PhD and Dr. Austin Zygmunt, MSc, MD, CCFP, FRCPC
Patrick O’Byrne NP, PhD, is a Nurse Practitioner with Ottawa Public Health and a Full Professor of Nursing at the University of Ottawa. Dr. O’Byrne’s clinical and research work focus on the prevention and diagnoses of sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections.
Dr. Austin Zygmunt, MSc, MD, CCFP, FRCPC, is a Public Health Physician in Health Protection at Public Health Ontario. He completed his Royal College fellowship in Public Health & Preventive Medicine at the University of Ottawa in 2021. His portfolios include sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections, emerging infectious diseases threats (e.g. mpox, viral hemorrhagic fevers), environmentally acquired infections (e.g. blastomycosis, legionellosis), and infection prevention and control (IPAC) lapses. His public health interests include communicable diseases, health equity, and LGBTQ+ health.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.
Accreditation
Public Health Ontario Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.
College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.
PHO Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).
For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
Accessibility
Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
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