Patient Understanding of HIV and Hepatitis C Testing in an Emergency Department with an Integrated Program

Abstract

Introduction: We implemented triage nurse rapid HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening, in parallel with physician diagnostic testing, in our urban emergency department (ED). Methods: A 2-month cross-sectional survey was performed to determine the proportion of patients who correctly reported being tested for HIV and HCV. Results: A total of 492 patients were surveyed. Fifty-one (70%) of the 73 patients who reported being HIV tested and 372 (89%) of the 419 patients who reported not being HIV tested were correct. Thirty (60%) of the 50 patients who reported being HCV tested and 416 (94%) of the 442 patients who reported not being HCV tested were correct. Conclusion: Although most ED patients correctly reported whether testing was performed, there were many who did not. Although ED screening programs for HIV and HCV serve as an important venue for screening, strategies to improve communication require attention.