Provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling

Key take-home messages

• Very few studies have comprehensively investigated patient perceptions of PITC. There are no data currently available on the sustainable effects of PITC on: reducing HIV incidence (i.e., the long-term impact of the counseling received); or increasing earlier entry into care.
• There are varied opinions on the efficacy of abbreviated counseling procedures in reducing HIV risk behaviours.
• Patients and providers generally support opt-out testing, but recommend that this testing include effective communication of HIV and testing information, as well as a client-centered counseling approach.
• PITC with rapid tests in general health care settings has mostly been shown to be economically feasible in the US.

• Population(s)
  • Other
• Testing
  • Testing