Training workshops prove critical in filling the dispenser gap in Vietnam

In Vietnam the turn-over rate for dispensers, the pharmacists and nurses who distribute antiretrovirals (ARVs) to patients, is an on-going concern with a 60% turn-over rate during the last year. To meet the training needs of new dispensers, and as a refresher training for current dispensers, SCMS conducted two sets of workshops in November and December 2007 for a total of 182 participants from PEPFAR-supported clinical sites, the Clinton Foundation and the Government of Vietnam.

The first day of the two-day workshop targeted new dispensers and covered basic HIV knowledge, proper drug management at the clinical sites, along with reporting procedures on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and use of medicines for opportunistic infections (OI). The second day expanded on basic dispensing information with presentations on new ART (especially the fixed dose combination), practice using labels for prescriptions, and standard operating procedures for dispensing PEPFAR ARV and OI medicines. All dispensers were invited to work in small groups on counseling of medicines following the presentations.

Nguyen Thanh Hung, a counselor at OPC Pediatric An Giang, noted that the workshops changed his view on counseling and dispensing. "When I counsel patients, they usually ask to change treatment protocol because they do not adhere to the treatment," he said. "After these trainings, I know that patients have to take further tests before being changed to new treatment protocols." SCMS Program Associates will reinforce the training, specifically counseling techniques and labeling, while visiting the clinical sites over the coming year.