40 | Nursing in Practice | Spring 2022
TEN TOP TIPS
Discussing HIV testing
and prevention with patients
Sexual health nurse Jodie Crossman offers her top tips on how to address the topic of HIV testing and prevention of transmission
HIV may be seen as one of this century ’ s great medical success stories . When the infection was first classified in 1986 , 1 progression from HIV to AIDS , and eventual death , was almost inevitable . Three decades later , the majority of people living with HIV will live normal lives . Sadly , however , we believe that around 6 % of people who have HIV remain undiagnosed . 2 These people may be unlikely to attend a sexual health clinic and may not see themselves as being at risk of HIV .
HIV tests are now being more widely offered in NHS settings , particularly in high-prevalence areas . However , in order to find these undiagnosed people and achieve the government target of no new HIV diagnoses in the UK by 2030 , 3 HIV specialists are asking all health professionals to consider opportunities to offer testing to their patients . Here are my 10 top tips for how you might discuss HIV testing and prevention in your practice area .
Jodie Crossman is nurse team leader at Brighton and Hove Sexual Health and Contraception Service and chair of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV nurses group
Promote the positives
1HIV is no longer a terminal illness . With early diagnosis and effective treatment , people living with HIV ( PLWH ) can expect to have a normal life expectancy and few negative effects from the illness . 4 Antiretroviral treatment now reduces the HIV viral load within the body to a point where it is undetectable . Not only does this mean PLWH remain well , it also prevents them from transmitting HIV to anyone else ( see tip 7 ). In people who are planning pregnancy , knowing their HIV status can enable them to access preventive treatment and therefore protect their child .
Be aware of stigma
2
Unfortunately , much stigma and misinformation still exists around HIV . As health professionals we have a responsibility to educate ourselves so we can share evidence-based information with our patients . Although some activities carry a higher risk of HIV , anyone from any background or sexuality can contract HIV . Someone who has same-sex partners is not automatically at ‘ high risk ’, and conversely , just being in a heterosexual relationship doesn ’ t mean someone is at low risk . Offering testing to all patients regardless of background helps to reduce the stigma and increases the likelihood of finding people living with undiagnosed HIV .
Be realistic about risks
3Some people might be incredibly worried about their risk of contracting HIV despite engaging in low-risk activities , while others may be quite blasé about the risks they are taking . There can be a fine line between scaring patients and helping them reduce risks .
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