Chapter 13: HIV Counseling And Testing

Question 1

What are the legal and ethical aspects of HIV counseling

Answer 1

Counselling: HIV testing must never be done without counseling before and after test.

Consent: HIV testing must always be voluntary. Permission must be written or verbal

Confidentiality: rights of client to confidentiality must always be respected and under no circumstances may clients results be disclosed to anyone without consent or court order requiring disclosure.

Correct test results: counsellors must make sure that they have the correct results

Connections to care treatment and prevention: after results are given clients must know what are their next steps in care and treatment

Question 2

What are the 2 main approaches to HIV counseling and testing

Answer 2

Client initiated counselling and testing (CICT): when people voluntarily Go for HIV counseling and testing at facilities that offer such services. Individual decides for themselves to be tested

Provider initiated counselling and testing (PICT): healthcare providers recommend to those attending healthcare facilities to receive HIV counseling and testing as part of medical care.

Question 3

What is the role of pre HIV counseling

Answer 3

1. To provide all necessary info and support to someone considering being tested which includes technical aspects of test what the potential medical personal psychological Social legal and ethical implications are of a diagnosis
2. Is to identify
   Reason an individual wants to test
   Nature and extent of individual previous and present high risk behaviour
   Actions required to prevent HIV infections and transmission