HIV & You
Counselling Guidelines for HIV Testing
 

Breaking Bad News

  • Find a quiet, private setting in which to sit and talk with the patient face-to-face.
  • State the test result directly at the beginning of the post-test session.
  • Listen and respond to the person's reactions and be alert for buried questions. Expect tears and be sure to have a supply of tissues available.
  • Find out how much the person wants to know about HIV or AIDS.
  • Assess the person's understanding of HIV infection so that the news is understood.
  • Provide information in small chunks; the patient often cannot absorb much more.
  • Ask if there are additional questions.
  • Emphasize the availability of crisis support and explain how the patient can obtain it.
  • Ensure follow-up and plan for a future meeting.
  • Give the patient the URL for this educational web site (http://www.HIVpositive.us) to help the patient stay informed.

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