The Changing Role of Disease Intervention Specialists in Modern Public HealthPrograms

摘要

For decades, disease intervention specialists have worked on the front lines of publichealth, defending against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV.The transmission of STDs can be interrupted when a disease intervention specialist contactsrecently diagnosed persons, ensures that they are treated, identifies their sexual partners,and ensures that the partners are tested and treated. The success of this work depends on theability and willingness of patients to name their sexual partners; the ability of the diseaseintervention specialist to promptly interview infected persons, find their sexual partners byusing available resources, and maintain patient confidentiality; and the cooperation of localproviders and community stakeholders in coordinating prevention messaging. With propertraining and resources, disease intervention specialists provide an effective, albeit costly,service for health departments to control the spread of STDs and HIV.