Introduction:
Counseling is a private conversation in which a trained, specialized person helps a person identify and explore solutions to their problems. Counseling, also known as talk therapy, is confidential and non-judgmental. A professional counselor who uses evidence-based tools and techniques to provide a genuine, caring, and empathic response to people's problems is trained and registered. Pre-test and post-test counseling are important components of HIV testing as they guarantee that individuals receive adequate information, support, and advice both before and after taking an HIV test. These counseling sessions help people understand the testing process, the possible outcomes, and how to deal with them.
What Is the Purpose of Getting Tested for HIV?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) testing or HIV screening is the only way to test if the virus has infected one. The test uses blood, oral fluids, or urine samples as a routine screening test after a possible exposure to HIV or patients with symptoms of HIV infection. Early diagnosis can avoid the spread and protect from AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
HIV counseling can help in the prevention of infection through the promotion of healthy lifestyles, behavior, morals, and spiritual values. In addition, it can provide psychological support to those infected and guide them to achieve an optimum functioning and satisfactory quality of life. HIV counseling also complements health education and corrects misconceptions or myths about HIV / AIDS.
What Are the Prerequisites for Successful Counseling?
Unlike health education, counseling is a one-on-one interaction that involves confidentiality, trust, and privacy. The conversation has to deal with an individual's issues and can sometimes be very emotional. Successful counseling involves:
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Establishing a Rapport - It is essential to know why the person has come and understand their concerns. The counselor must maintain eye contact and care, and compassion while communicating. The conversation must be open, and the counselor should pay attention to every detail.
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Empathy - It is essential to establish rapport between an individual and the counselor.
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Establishment of Trust and Confidentiality - The counselor should build trust and promote an individual's confidence in the healthcare system. The client's right to confidentiality must be respected at all times. The individual should be ensured that information regarding the test result will be confidential.
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Privacy During Meeting - The counselor should ensure that under no circumstances should any information be shared. The primary goal is to ensure a safe environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their concerns.
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Sustainability of the Effort - The counselor should provide high-value care every session.
What Is Pre and Post-testing Counseling?
Counseling a person for HIV testing allows people to cope better and make informed choices about their future and behaviors. It involves pre-testing and post-testing counseling of an individual who approaches an HIV test.
Pretesting counseling is done before the person decides whether to go for an HIV test, while post-testing counseling is the kind of counseling a person gets after the test. All hepatitis testing services must adhere to the five “C”s, namely consent, confidentiality, counseling, correct test results, and connection to hepatitis prevention, treatment, and care.
Pre Counseling Test - The test aims to ensure that the person is well informed about the test or whether to have the test or not. It guides the person to explore the possible impact that undergoing the test can have on their life. Some of the issues that can be discussed with the counselor include:
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To assess reasons for the test to be done.
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To evaluate knowledge of the person on sexually transmitted diseases (STD), contraception, or mode of spread.
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Review the consequences of risky behavior.
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Prepare the patient on the nature of the test and the consequences (both negative and positive results).
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Implications of the test results and informing family members.
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Obtain informed consent before the test.
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Schedule a meeting after the test results.
Post-Testing Counseling - Counseling is done after the result of the test. It should ideally be conducted by the same counselor who had done the pre-counseling test. During the session, the counselor will discuss
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Give the test results.
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Confirm that the person understands the test results.
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In case of a negative result, the counselor can discuss any concerns related to activities that might increase the transmission, educate, and recommend any further testing required. The discussion must be documented as per the regulatory body requirements.
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Retesting for individuals is needed only for those who report specific recent risks.
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In case of positive results, the counselor should discuss the plan of action and provide all useful information regarding the medicinal treatment, prognosis, lifestyle changes, and ways of living positively with HIV. A person is guided on taking ARV (medicines, their side effects, period, and precautions). The counselor may discuss ways to prevent further transmission of HIV and may arrange follow-up visits for treatment, care, and counseling for spouses and family members.
How Are Pretesting and Post-Testing Counseling Done in Children With HIV?
When performing an HIV test on a child under 14, the counseling sessions are conducted with their parents or guardians.
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The parents of the child should be consulted to assess the emotional maturity of the child, as well as the presenting problem. This is essential to determine how much information can be given to the child.
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The issue of consent is crucial when testing for HIV in a child below 14. The parents or the guardian must sign the consent form before HIV testing.
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Explain the testing procedure and test results.
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The parents must be guided on emotional coping, school-related issues, and the importance of establishing a quality of life.
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Emphasis must be made that ongoing counseling is required for the child and parents to come to terms with the test results.
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Guide the parents and child to explore various options for living positively and engaging in a healthy lifestyle, stress management, diet, and nutrition.
Conclusion:
HIV counseling aims to build a rapport with an individual who has approached HIV testing. It allows people to make informed choices about their future practices and behaviors. It provides information and support to people living with HIV to cope well with their diagnosis and illness and make appropriate behavioral changes. These sessions also provide a secure environment for people to ask questions, express worries, and get the help they need, whether the test result is positive or negative.
