What to know
Disease intervention is key to sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and control. Disease intervention specialists (DIS) use contact tracing and case investigation to prevent and control infectious diseases. DIS also use partner services to assist in identifying individuals at risk for STIs, increasing STI awareness, and providing timely treatment.
Understanding disease intervention
Disease intervention is key to sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and control. Disease intervention consists of identifying people who don't know they may be infected and helping people receive treatment fast.
Disease intervention specialist (DIS)
Highly trained public health professionals known as disease intervention specialists (DIS) are at the forefront of disease intervention work. While DIS primarily work with STIs, they also assist during urgent outbreak situations. DIS use contact tracing and case investigation to prevent and control infectious diseases. Both practices involve identifying and supporting people who may have been infected by exposure with a person with an infectious didease.
With skills in problem solving, negotiation, and communication, DIS specialize in
- public health investigations
- case management and analysis
- provider and community engagement
- outbreak detection and response
In addition to routine work, DIS have been used in public health responses from Ebola to COVID-19 and after natural disasters.
Partner services
DIS use partner services to assist in identifying individuals at risk for STIs, increasing STI awareness, and providing timely treatment. These services are offered to people with STIs, their partners and social contacts. Partner services can include:
- prevention counseling
- HIV and STI testing
- hepatitis screenings
- vaccinations
- treatment or medical referrals
- referrals to other services (e.g., reproductive health services, prenatal care, substance abuse treatment, social support, housing assistance, legal services, and mental health services)
Disease intervention training centers (DITCs)
Disease Intervention Training Centers (DITCs) serve to strengthen the capacity of local and state health departments to conduct STI/HIV intervention services.
DITCs develop, implement, evaluate, and sustain training for core public health staff, notably disease intervention specialists (DIS). Disease intervention training covers the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to conduct STD and HIV intervention services efficiently and effectively. These skills include, but are not limited to
- public health investigation
- client (case or contact) engagement and case management
- provider and health care system engagemet
- outbreak detection and response
DIS Strategies
DIS strategies include engagement with community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, public health institutions and associations, and other organizations.
As the health care landscape evolves, well-trained DIS continue to be a critical piece to public health and disease intervention.
Resources
Disease intervention training centers
National Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) Recognition Day
Disease intervention specialist courses and webinars
General resources