Counselling for HIV Test in Hospital Integrated Counselling Testing Centers

Abstract

Counselling is a confidential dialogue between an individual and a counsellor. It aims to provide information on HIV/AIDS and bring about behaviour change in the individual. It also enables the individual to take a decision regarding HIV testing and to understand the implications of the test results. Counselling includes the assessment of an individual’s risk of acquisition and transmission of HIV, facilitation of preventive behaviour, and coping mechanisms in case an individual is found to be HIV positive. More importantly, counselling is intended to address the physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs of the individual availing integrated Counselling Testing Centers. Counselling is an integral part of HIV screening as well as confirmatory facilities under HCTS. It ensures audio-visual privacy and confidentiality of information shared by the individual, including HIV test results. All records and registers should be securely stored. In this research paper I have discuss the types of counselling for HIV testing in Hospital Integrated Counselling Testing Centers and also analysis the Standard operating procedures & maintain the records.