Community-based HIV testing in The Netherlands: experiences of lay providers and end users at a rapid HIV test checkpoint

Abstract

Background The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF-Checkpoint) in The Netherlands offers rapid HIV testing for key populations by lay providers. We explored the experiences and needs of lay providers and end users of HIV testing at AHF-Checkpoint, taking into account the WHO 5C-(consent, confidentiality, counselling, correct-results, connection-to-care) criteria for HIV test services. Methods Qualitative evaluation with 15 semi-structured interviews conducted during 2020 with ten lay providers and five gay or bisexual end users. Recorded interviews were thematically analysed, taking data triangulation into account. Results Four domains were identified: (1) accessibility of HIV testing, (2) quality of test procedures, (3) bridging (transitional care), and (4) future strategies for service delivery. AHF-Checkpoint fills a gap for key populations including LGBTQ and refugees, who experience HIV testing barriers at sexual health centres or general practices. The level of trust between lay providers and end users was highly valued by end users. They appreciated the low threshold to test at no costs, and the absence of waiting lists or triaging. Needs expressed by lay providers included more preparedness for emotionally charged situations, and extra training to improve STI knowledge. End users expressed a need for a full STI test package. Of the 5Cs, consent, counselling, and correct results were realised but confidentiality was sometimes difficult to achieve at pop-up locations, and referral barriers for confirmation testing (connection-to-care) were occasionally experienced by lay providers during weekends. Conclusion AHF-Checkpoint was described as a convenient and easily accessible service by end users and lay providers. Of the WHO 5Cs, connection-to-care could be optimised to ensure HIV confirmation and STI testing through a liaison approach with professionals from the regular healthcare sector.

Quality of Nursing Care Perceived by People With HIV in Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Several studies (Jones et al, 2023;Krabbenborg et al, 2021) emphasize the concern of most PWH about the privacy and confidentiality of the diagnosis and the provision of care, whether unintentional (when the transmission of information is interconnected to administrative procedures) or intentional (when health-related aspects of a For the purposes of association analyses, the variable "race" was dichotomized into "Black" and "other races" (White, Brown, and Indigenous).…”

“…et al, 2022). Furthermore, PWH value attentive and friendly professionals who build trust (Jones et al, 2023;Krabbenborg et al, 2021).…”

“…Several studies (Jones et al, 2023; Krabbenborg et al, 2021) emphasize the concern of most PWH about the privacy and confidentiality of the diagnosis and the provision of care, whether unintentional (when the transmission of information is interconnected to administrative procedures) or intentional (when health-related aspects of PWH are revealed to family members and other people not involved in the care process; Bayisa et al, 2022). It was observed that PWH start HIV management later if they feel a lack of confidence in the professional regarding the confidentiality of the diagnosis and health status (Bayisa et al, 2022).…”

“…It was observed that PWH start HIV management later if they feel a lack of confidence in the professional regarding the confidentiality of the diagnosis and health status (Bayisa et al, 2022). Furthermore, PWH value attentive and friendly professionals who build trust (Jones et al, 2023; Krabbenborg et al, 2021).…”

Differences in STI/HIV Burden and Sexual Health Care–Seeking Behavior Among First- and Second-Generation Migrant and Western-Born Male Sex Workers Who Have Sex With Men in the Netherlands: A Retrospective Cohort Study

“…Other ways to reach migrant MSW-MSM is by providing testing distributed by lay providers or social network testing. 30,31 These methods lower the testing threshold by being free-of-charge, the absence of a waiting list or triaging when booking an appointment, improving privacy, not requiring disclosure of sexual identity, and less experienced stigma related to sexual practices and sex work. 30,31 Although these initiatives are a valuable addition to the low-threshold care provided by the STI clinics, they are not yet common practice in the Netherlands.…”