Successful Distance-based Training for Technologically Challenged Urban HIV Providers

The Howard University College of Medicine implemented the AIDS Education and Training Center (AETC) Telehealth Training Center (HU-AETC TTC) was funded to use telehealth technologies to provide training and support to low volume HIV providers (i.e. those treating fewer than 10 patients who are HIV positive, per month). The program ran for three consecutive years and was carried out in Delaware, Maryland and Washington, DC. The major opportunities that were harnessed, i.e. lesson learned in regards to strengthening the Telehealth program is that needs assessment, not just knowledge of the subject matter but the infrastructure (time, equipment, support from management, staffing, ability to use technology, etc.) was key to the successful implementation and sustainability of a program such as this. Additionally, the success of our intervention was reinforced with our culturally competent, multi-factorial approach that addressed the individual and collective needs of the participants.