For over 10 years, Saskatchewan has had the highest annual rate of new HIV and hepatitis C diagnoses in the country. The province now has one of the fastest growing rates of syphilis infections in Canada. This is resulting in an urgent need to educate healthcare providers accross the province how to recognize, test, treat and manage these sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBI) in their clinics. 

In response, the STBBI Treatment Education Program for Saskatchewan (STEPS) has been created to provide free and accessible continuing medical education through the STBBI Virtual Classroom.

Additional STEPS programing and support is available for Physicians and Nurse Practitioners who are interested in prescribing HIV and hepatitis C treatment in Saskatchewan.

We are currently planning Fall 2024 Virtual Classrooms. Stay tuned for more information!

In the meantime, please visit the page below to view information about accessing previous presentation recordings and resources!

• Previous Presentation Recordings

Physicians and Nurse Practitioners who are interested in becoming HIV and hepatitis C treatment prescribers in Saskatchewan might be eligible for additional support from the STEPS program.

This includes:

• Assistance being added to the list of Designated HIV and/or Hep C Treatment Prescribers for Saskatchewan: The STEPS program provides coordination and preparation of requests to SK Drug Plan on behalf of physicians and nurse practitioners who want to be added to the list of Designated ARV (HIV) and/or DAA (Hep C) Treatment Prescribers for Saskatchewan. Joining this list will ensure HIV and Hep C medication cost coverage for patients covered under SK Drug Plan. 
  • Learn more about ARV medication cost coverage for people living with HIV in Saskatchewan.

• HIV/STBBI Clinical Preceptorship: The STEPS program coordinates opportunities for physicians and nurse practitioners who are currently practicing in Saskatchewan to participate in half or full day clinics to observe an HIV/STBBI specialist provide patient care. 
  • Note: Limited number of opportunities are available and participants are prioritized based on the following criteria:
    • 1) Currently (or interested) in prescribing HIV and/or STBBI medication treatment.
    • 2) Currently (or will) be working in a clinic with a moderate or high volume of patients who require HIV/STBBI care.
    • 3) Have received HIV/STBBI medical education from the STEPS program. 

Contact STEPS@usask.ca to learn more.

Acknowledgment
The STEPS program has received an educational grant or in-kind resources from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health.

For more information contact us at STEPS@usask.ca