Developing the HIV Workforce: The MATEC Clinician Scholars Program.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Critical need to engage new clinicians in HIV care due to evolving treatments and provider shortages.
• Existing HIV workforce faces challenges from aging providers and specialized patient population needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a competency-based Clinician Scholar Program designed for providers with limited HIV experience.
• To assess improvements in clinical knowledge and skills among participants in HIV management and care.

Main Methods:

• A 1-year, individually tailored, competency-based Clinician Scholar Program was implemented for 74 healthcare providers (NPs, physicians, pharmacists).
• Program effectiveness was measured through baseline and endpoint self-assessments of 11 targeted HIV care competencies.
• Faculty mentor assessments were also utilized to evaluate participant progress.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in all 11 targeted HIV care competencies based on self-assessments.
• Key areas of improvement included antiretroviral medication management, HIV screening/testing, prevention integration, risk reduction, and care standards.
• Faculty assessments corroborated significant skill and knowledge gains in most competencies.

Conclusions:

• The intensive mentoring program effectively enhanced clinical knowledge and skills for new HIV providers.
• The program model is replicable in other training centers and structured educational programs to strengthen the HIV workforce.
• Sustained engagement in HIV care networks and ongoing mentorship were additional key benefits.