Curriculum

Health professionals in developing countries, most of whom are burdened with intensive patient caseloads, face the daunting task of caring for those with HIV and AIDS in situations where current information may be limited. In order to meet patient demand it is critical that participants enrolled in KITSO are allowed to remain part of their medical posts for the duration of this learning opportunity. With this in mind, KITSO has developed a curriculum with four core modules and three specialized elective modules. The modular structure of KITSO’s curriculum provides timely training on current issues in HIV and AIDS patient care in order to prepare participants for the intensive AIDS care needed by many of their patients. The topics reflected in the curriculum also consider important cultural and infrastructure issues specific to Botswana, and were developed based upon input from program faculty members in the health community in Botswana and abroad and health care representatives who participated in KITSO’s country-wide needs assessment completed in 2000.

Participants attend special workshops and seminars that include expert lectures, participant presentations, and group learning on HIV and AIDS care and medicine. Innovative methodologies such as instructional videos and CD-ROMs reinforce course content and broaden the reach of the program. Each participant is required to successfully complete all four core modules and one elective module of the participant’s choice. The elective module allows participants to further strengthen their skills within their field of expertise. Upon successful completion of the program, a certificate from the Harvard School of Public Health’s Center for Continuing Professional Education will be awarded.

The four core modules are as follows: AIDS Care Clinical Fundamentals, which includes topics such as Introduction to HIV and AIDS Care and Antiretroviral Therapy; HIV and AIDS Case Management; HIV and AIDS Counseling and Testing; and Comprehensive Care Issues, which covers Psychosocial Issues, Gender-Specific Issues, Ethics and Patient Rights, Supportive Care and Palliative Care. After completing the core modules, participants enroll in one of four elective modules: Clinical Care In-Service Rotation, practical learning mentorships for physicians; Nursing and Community Issues; or HIV Science and Research.