VCAmon TrainerHow to use the Visual Case Analysis Plotting Tool

VCAmonWhat it is

VCAmon is a computer-based application designed for stand-alone plotting of syphilis cases for visual case analysis (VCA). VCAmon is a precise and innovative tool intended to assist those performing syphilis partner services and case management activities. VCAmon utilizes case data entered by the case manager to create an accurate VCA sheet ready for analysis in order to identify all opportunities for disease intervention.

VCAmonWhat it is NOT

VCAmon is NOT an alternative for knowing how to perform VCA. Partner services staff utilizing VCAmon should review each plotted case for accuracy* and analysis.

* Though the developers of VCAmon have main every effort to ensure its accuracy, there still may be unexpected technical issues. Should one be identified, please notify the CDC training team at STDTraining@cdc.gov . Please include a description of the issue and what step was being performed when the issue was discovered. (Example: Exposure arrows for the original patient disappeared after plotting the contact arrow.)

Hello. I am Dr. Vincent Carl Amon (but you can call me Dr. VCA).

Watch for me throughout the training. I will direct you through the simple steps of using the VCAmon (I love that name) application but you must do what I say.

And I am TIP, Dr. VCA’s assistant. Click on me when you see me for helpful tips for using VCAmon.

Let’s get started!

VCAmonResource Webpage

VCAmon Program File

When you are on the webpage click on VCAmon V1 Program to download a copy of the VCAmon program. Save your downloaded file on your hard drive or server. Your downloaded file will serve as your master copy but should your master file ever be accidently deleted of corrupted, a new program file can be downloaded.

VCAmon User Guide

Click on VCAmon V1 User Guide to download a detailed user guide,

VCAmonGetting started

For quickest access, create a desktop shortcut linked to the master copy saved on your hard drive or server.

VCAmonGetting started A security warning MAY

appear as a result of the many formulas embedded in the program. Click Enable Content to begin.

VCAmonGetting started

For a new unrelated case Click Continue using this file.

For a new related case or to update a previously entered case Click Open a previous/new file

Try it.Click Continue using this file.

VCAmonGetting started

A Security Warning may appear. Click Yes to continue.

Try it

It is extremely important

that you save your file at this point.

Your new VCA must be given a unique name or

you risk overwriting your

master file.So you lost your master file… it happens.

Someone will have to go to the VCAmon webpage and download another

copy.

Click File then Save As

Give your new VCAmon file a unique name keeping in mind that you may be updating your VCA when infected partners are brought to treatment.

I suggest using the Lot Number (Example: Lot 0045-15) but you should follow whatever naming

procedure your program has established.

Lot 0045-15

We are now ready to enter our first case.

Click on the Main Menu

button.

Very good, but let’s zoom in for

a closer look.

Much better.

See your user guide for more information on

each field.

Now I’ll enter the case information for our first case.

Okay, my patient is Fran Sisco who was a volunteer

treated on 1/14/2015. Fran

had an RPR of 1:2 and was TPPA +. Treated with 2.4

Bic and diagnosed 710.

There was a vaginal lesion that began on

1/3/2015 and was there when she was treated on

1/14/2015.

Click OK/Update and see what

happens.

Go ahead, applause are permitted.

Note that you can change the screen size using the bar in the lower right of your window. Click here and I will zoom in on our

new VCA.

Thanks Tip.

Before we do anything else

let’s save our file.

Simply click FILE and then SAVE.

Along with the VCA, you will notice at the bottom the tab

MAPOP. Click that tab to complete a Major Analytical Point

Sheet for the OP.

You can now click on the appropriate box to indicate what

you want to Pursue.

Click Chart to go back.

Now we are ready to add an infected

partner.

Click the Main menu button.

Great! Now click

Add A Partner.

First I will add some basic information

Now click

OK

VCAmon creates two new tabs. The P1 corresponds

with the number just behind the Partner Name and the Partner also gets

their very own MAP Sheet.

Now we need to plot

exposure information

We still need to enter exposure

information.

This activity is a little tricky, so pay close

attention.

Click on the tab in the lower left

portion of your screen that

says OP.

This is where data goes when it is

entered into the Menu.

Click on Add Exposure Date

A window opens to identify who the OP is linked

to.

Since there is only one other person on the

VCA we just click OK.

Did you notice the new fields

that were added?

The same thing happened for the P1. We will see

that in a minute.

Click on the First Exposure box and

I will enter the exposure

information given by the OP

Now click on the P1 tab

Click on the First Exposure field and

I will enter the information

Now that exposure information for the OP and the partner

Click Main Menu

Click OK/Update and we’ll go back

to our VCA

Let’s Ghost

We can now ghost from

Fran’s lesion to Carson.

Click Main Menu

Now look in the lower left of your screen and click on

Ghosting

Analysis of our VCA leads us to think that this partner may be the

OP’s source so Click on the

Source button.

This menu provides you

with the options to choose for ghosting

Click on the From and To

pull-downs to see your

choices then Click OK

Almost makes you cry

doesn’t it.

One more thing.

I am going to add an infected partner to Carson

and then demonstrate how to add relationship

arrows

To add arrows Click the Main Menu buttonClick on Partner Arrows

I use the From and To pull-downs to select the

related cases and click Update

There you have it. Carson and Virginia are linked

Tip and I hope this has been helpful but there is nothing like the real thing so download your own copy of VCAmon and practice different scenarios.

If you have questions or come across any glitches, send an email to STDTraining@cdc.gov