HIV screening intentions, behaviors, and practices among nurse practitioners

Abstract

Background and purpose HIV/AIDS is a significant public health issue for individuals living in the United States. Federal agencies and key stakeholders recommend routine HIV/AIDS screening among individuals aged 13–64 of age, yet few studies focus on the nurse practitioner's (NP) perspective. The purpose of this study was to examine routine HIV screening intentions, behaviors, and practices using a national sample of NPs. Methods Cross‐sectional study utilizing a random sample of 600 NPs from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners™ organization. A total of 141 NPs returned complete responses to the paper and pencil questionnaire and were included in the study. Conclusions One‐quarter (25%, n = 35) of the NPs reported routine HIV screening behavior. Half (48%, n = 67) reported intentions to increase routine HIV screening in the next year. HIV screening practices were reported as risk‐based and patient‐initiated among this sample of NPs. Implications for practice In the U.S. healthcare system, NPs serve as leaders in primary and secondary prevention, screening and identifying individuals who are unaware of their HIV infection. Greater coordinated efforts and new system approaches are needed to help NPs adapt HIV screening recommendations and practice guidelines.

U.S. nurse practitioners' HIV screening behaviors and health center characteristics

“…The results of this secondary analysis indicated that NPs are not offering HIV testing in line with recommendations from national organizations. Consistent with previous research (Anaya et al, 2008;Chin et al, 2013;McNaghten et al, 2013;Shirreffs et al, 2012;Sutherland & Spencer, 2017), NPs reported low rates of HIV screening and inconsistent screening policies that varied across practices.…”

“…Chin et al (2013) discovered that among 101 individuals newly diagnosed with HIV, 72 had $ 1 prior visit and 47 had $2 visits by a health care provider in the year before their diagnosis. A study done by Sutherland and Spencer (2017) found that only 25% of 141 nurse practitioners (NPs) reported routine HIV screening behaviors among NPs practicing in one of the eight health care settings, and nearly 15% reported screening no patients. Two studies conducted in the southern United States, the epicenter of the HIV epidemic, also reported low screening rates.…”