Evaluation of the Dutch AIDS information helpline: an investigation of information needs and satisfaction of callers.
AIDS telephone hotlines have an important function in AIDS education, HIV prevention and counselling. In this study, consults of the Dutch AIDS information helpline were evaluated to determine the AIDS information needs of the callers and callers' satisfaction with the telephone-delivered information and consultation. Immediately after their telephone consult, callers (N = 309) were redirected to co-workers of an independent telephone survey. They participated in an interview on content and evaluation of the telephone consult. This study shows that most telephone calls concerned questions about personal risk of HIV transmission, HIV transmission in general and HIV testing. Callers were very satisfied with the services of the helpline. Furthermore, helpline employees' counselling and conversation skills were evaluated very positively. These results are discussed within the scope of the professional organization of the Dutch AIDS information helpline.
Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. arjan.bos@ou.nl
Arjan E R
AE
Bos
Gerard C
GC
Visser
Bertus F
BF
Tempert
Herman P
HP
Schaalma
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D003376:Counseling / Q000592:standards; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000592:standards; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D015277:Hotlines / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009426:Netherlands; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors