UNDERSTANDING THE PATIENTS PERSPECTIVE ON RAPID AND ROUTINE HIV TESTING IN AN INNER-CITY URGENT CARE CENTER, Angela B. Hutchinson,et al.

Categories

• Health Care and Insurance Issues
• Testing

Resource Type

Research/Journal Articles  

Description

The purpose of this study was to explore patient perspectives on rapid and routine HIV testing in an urgent care center at an urban public hospital. Participants supported routinely-offered testing, but there were concerns about privacy and cost. Fear and stigma were common reasons for refusing testing and not returning for results. Distrust and misconceptions about HIV, particularly regarding the importance of testing, were very common. Fear was the greatest single reason given for not accepting an HIV test when offered. Those who refused testing also had more concerns about anonymity than the groups that accepted testing. In the female group that refused testing, fear of becoming infected with HIV during testing was mentioned by several of the participants who discussed the need to see them [the phlebotomist] take out a new [sterilized] needle. Although this study addresses the acceptability of rapid HIV testing in urban ERs, the authors discussion suggests that identifying and addressing factors that affect individual testing and care decisions are more complex than can be characterized by a yes or no on types of testing technology. Its also apparent that what may be "rapid" for a health care provider may require hours of waiting for a patient, even with rapid testing, and that this is a deterrent. Additionally, if one accepts HIV testing as a gateway to care, and patient health literacy and engagement in treatment as central to that care, then this study also suggests that counseling and communication that breaks down mistrust and misunderstanding at the time of HIV testing is important.

 

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Published

2004-June-01