Provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling in TB clinical settings: tools for program implementation.
In countries with high HIV prevalence, up to 80% of tuberculosis (TB) patients also have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV testing and counseling needs to be more feasible and accessible to all people in settings with a generalized HIV epidemic, but particularly to those likely to have HIV infection and who need care and treatment. Implementing provider-initiated and -delivered HIV testing and counseling (PITC) in clinical settings where patients have symptoms and signs consistent with HIV-related disease, including TB, is therefore a priority. We describe a new tool that has been developed to assist countries in planning and implementing PITC in TB clinical settings. The materials include a template for national guidance for the PITC program and procedures, a training curriculum for clinic staff and job aids including a script that assist clinicians in communicating appropriate pre- and post-test information to their TB patients, including the benefits to HIV-infected TB patients of knowing their status so they can obtain HIV care and treatment and prevent the spread of HIV.
Bock
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Global AIDS Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. neb2@cdc.gov
Nadol
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P
Rogers
M
M
Fenley
M A
MA
Moore
J
J
Miller
B
B
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis; D003479:Curriculum; D037001:Directive Counseling / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000150:complications*