|
HIV Counselling Checklist For Physicians
A person's request for HIV testing should be honoured.
Explore risk history and discuss
reasons for the test.
Assess the person's risk of
having been exposed to or of being infected with HIV.
Provide information about HIV
infection and testing, including the meaning of positive,
negative and indeterminate test results, and the impact of the
window period.
Discuss risk reduction and
explore specific ways in which the person can avoid or reduce
risk-producing behaviour.
Identify testing options
available in the region, specifically nominal, non-nominal and
anonymous testing.
Discuss the potential benefits
and harms of being tested and of being found HIV-positive.
Discuss the confidentiality of
test results in relation to office or clinical procedures,
communicating results to other health care officials, provincial
reporting requirements and partner notification.
Discuss the stress related to
waiting for test results and possible reactions to learning the
results.
Assess the window period by
identifying the most recent risk event and plan an appropriate
time for testing.
Obtain and record informed
consent, whether provided in writing or verbally, before testing
is conducted.
Arrange a return appointment
after a predetermined interval for a face-to-face visit to inform
the patient of his or her test results.
A person has the right to decline testing.
Post-test counselling
HIV test results are given only in person.
Assess the patient's
understanding of the test result.
Encourage the patient to express
feelings and reactions.
Negative and indeterminate result
Discuss any need for repeat
testing.
Review the ways in which HIV is
transmitted.
Review risk-producing behaviour
and assess the patient's commitment to risk-reducing strategies.
Positive result
Assess the psychological response
to being HIV positive.
Plan how the patient can
overcome adverse psychological reactions to being found HIV
positive.
Arrange additional psychological
and social support services as needed.
Provide reassurance about the
person's immediate safety.
Arrange for medical follow-up.
If possible, review transmission
modes and risk-reduction strategies.
Arrange for partner
notification, if necessary.
Other important issues
(emphasize early if poor follow-up is
likely)
Discuss health, reproductive and
treatment issues.
Review importance of partner
testing and notification and offer assistance if the person needs
it.
Reiterate the patient's right to
privacy and confidentiality with respect to medical information.
Go to the Counselling Guidelines Menu
Go to the Testing For HIV Menu
Go to the HIVpositive.us Main Menu
39