Investigator
CurrentObtain history from patients infected with communicable disease (e.g., HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia) through personal interviews to determine possible source of infection, recommend treatment and establish other contacts which a patient may have had.Conduct clinical evaluations to identify and diagnose infection; inform patients of positive results and begin approved treatment protocols,. Counsel patients, one-on-one, about methods of transmission/prevention of communicable diseases, encouraging the adoption of risk-reduction behaviors to prevent/reduce the incidence of transmission.Locate partners/personal contacts of infected individuals through investigative process, including field visits, to arrange for physical examination, diagnosis, and medical treatment as necessary.Receive reports of infected individuals from outside sources such as clinics, physician's offices, hospitals, laboratories, blood banks, correctional facilities and treatment centers; input and maintain computerized statistical case data on incidence; as mandated by state and federal regulations.Develop and present educational programs to departmental staff, physicians, health professionals, universities, schools, community groups and the general public; design and/or update brochures and patient handouts on communicable diseases and their treatment.Develop and implement off-site testing activities for high-risk population throughout the community.Consult with and render technical assistance to area health providers, including internal staff, to meet the needs of at-risk populations for sexually transmitted diseases; supply community health providers with STD clinical care standards, case management standards, regulatory, and reporting requirements.
