Hired full time position - Perinatal Surveillance Coordinator, to follow up on pregnant women who test positive for syphilis during pregnancy, and also to implement FIMR/HIV methodology for perinatal HIV and syphilis exposures.
The STD Prevention and Surveillance program epidemiology and surveillance unit at the Virginia Department of Health requested the creation of this position and defined the scope of activities and responsibilities.
This position followed up on all investigations of women who tested positive for syphilis during pregnancy, working with the Disease Intervention Specialists across the state to ensure prioritization of pregnant women based on their due date. This type of follow up provided an extra layer of protection in ensuring that pregnant patients were properly staged and treated in time to prevent transmission. This position is also responsible for gathering medical record information for cases of congenital syphilis and for implementing FIMR activities for congenital syphilis and perinatal HIV.
Please provide specific outcomes if possible, such as # or people served, # or % of reaching XYZ outcome, etc.
This position was assigned 203 field records for follow up and monitoring of pregnant women who tested positive for syphilis in 2020. In contrast, Virginia had only 15 cases of congenital syphilis in 2020. In addition, in March 2021 Virginia had its first FIMR meeting to review two cases of congenital syphilis and HIV transmission, which resulted in a set of recommendations that Virginia is working to implement.
Having a dedicated position to individually follow up on and provide additional assistance to Disease Intervention Specialists is highly recommended. More than one position may be needed, depending on local syphilis morbidity.