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Prenatal HIV screening in a tertiary care centre
A Gruslin1, A Salvador, M Dekker
1Division Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Dept. Obstetrics/Gynecology and Newborn Care, Rm. 8420, Ottawa Hospital-General Campus, University of Ottawa, 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6. agruslin@ottawahospital.on.ca
Summary
Implementing universal counseling and educational brochures significantly improved human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening rates in pregnant women, from 13% to 72%. This strategy is feasible for increasing prenatal HIV testing in tertiary care settings.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Maternal-fetal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be reduced through effective prenatal screening.
- A notable percentage of pregnant individuals in Canada do not undergo HIV screening.
- Current screening practices require review to identify areas for improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of universal counseling and patient education on HIV screening rates in pregnant women.
- To assess the effectiveness of a departmental policy and educational brochure on HIV screening practices.
- To determine the feasibility of improving HIV screening in a tertiary care setting.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective chart review of antenatal patients from February-April 1996 and 1998 was conducted.
- Data collected included maternal demographics and documentation of HIV counseling and screening.
- Analysis focused on changes in screening rates before and after the implementation of new interventions.
Main Results:
- HIV counseling and screening rates increased substantially from 13% to 72% after the interventions.
- Patient acceptance of HIV testing was high.
- The primary reasons for missed screening opportunities were urgent patient transfers from other facilities.
Conclusions:
- Local strategies, including universal counseling and patient education, can effectively enhance HIV screening rates among pregnant individuals.
- The implemented approach demonstrated feasibility and success within a tertiary care unit.
- Improving prenatal HIV screening is crucial for preventing maternal-fetal transmission.