https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyheC6HNwpA
What is VHHITAL?
VHHITAL delivers comprehensive education and training for the primary health care workforce for the diagnosis, treatment and management of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and sexually transmitted infections (STI). It includes the provision of training and certification for practitioners who prescribe highly specialised drugs administered under Section 100 (S100) of the National Health Act 1953.
The program aims to:
- improve the capacity of the general practice workforce to screen, treat and manage HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and STIs
- improve alignment of general practitioners with priority populations and areas of high prevalence for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and STIs
- improve access to community testing and prescribing for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and STIs
- improve networking opportunities for prescribers.
View the VHHITAL summary dashboard: 2016–2019 for an overview of recent VHHITAL achievements.
Upcoming VHHITAL events
VHHITAL training is delivered throughout Victoria. To find out about upcoming events, sign up to the VHHITAL mailing list by emailing vhhital@nwmphn.org.au, or see the events calendars below.
View the statewide BBV and STI events calendar
Online modules
PrEP in practice
Guidance for GPs (40–60 minutes). This online module guides GPs to better understand and safely prescribe PrEP. Note: If you are a first-time user of the ASHM Learning Management System, you will first be directed to register as a new system user.
Curing hepatitis C. Your role as a GP (60 minutes). This online module is designed to educate GPs on how to assess patients with hepatitis C prior to initiating treatment and assist with the selection of an appropriate direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agent.
LiverWell app and PozQOL Scale. Tools for wellbeing for people with blood-borne viruses. Find out all you need to know about the new tools that empower people with chronic conditions to engage with their self-monitoring and health maintenance.
More Information
For further information about VHHITAL, please email vhhital@nwmphn.org.au or call (03) 9347 1188.
Consortium partners
The consortium provides GPs with the skills and resources of clinical subject-matter experts, research expertise, program development and accreditation, training and education, and expert knowledge of the health needs of Victorians living with, or at risk of contracting, blood-borne viruses (BBV).
The program is funded by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, and is delivered and managed through a consortium comprising North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN), the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM), Alfred Health, and the Doherty Institute.
North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network
As an independent, locally governed and run, not-for-profit organisation, NWMPHN is dedicated to strengthening primary health care, and connecting health services across the system. NWMPHN brings experience in developing, delivering and promoting education and training to the primary health workforce.
Victorian and Tasmanian Primary Health Network Alliance
NWMPHN is a member of the Victorian and Tasmanian Primary Health Network Alliance (VTPHNA). The VTPHNA enables all seven Victorian and Tasmanian primary health networks to collectively achieve the best possible outcomes for local communities and organisations through leadership, collaboration, coordination and synergy.
Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine
The Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) seeks the virtual eradication of HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections. It brings program experience in developing and delivering HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C training tailored to GPs, as well as skills in the management of assessment and ongoing accreditation of HIV and hepatitis B S100 prescribers.
Alfred Health
Alfred Health’s Department of Infectious Diseases is one of the largest and most comprehensive infectious diseases clinical services in the country and provides statewide HIV/AIDS services. It provides share-care support to low-caseload GPs, regular case discussions with high-caseload S100 clinics, lunchtime education meetings, and other HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C education events targeting the primary health workforce, including education in rural and regional areas.
Doherty Institute
A joint venture between The University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Doherty Institute is a world leader in research and clinical management of BBV including HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and an experienced provider of both face-to-face and online education.
