Emergency department staff satisfaction with rapid human immunodeficiency virus testing

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Management
• Healthcare Program Evaluation

Background:

• Rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing in emergency departments (EDs) is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Assessing healthcare staff satisfaction is vital for the successful integration and sustainability of new testing programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate emergency department (ED) staff satisfaction with a rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing program.
• To understand staff attitudes towards the implementation and impact of HIV testing in the ED setting.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to all staff involved in HIV testing in an urban ED.
• Data collection occurred over a four-month period, achieving a 96% response rate.
• Satisfaction and attitudes towards the rapid HIV testing program were primary and secondary outcomes, respectively.

Main Results:

• A high majority of ED staff (99%) reported satisfaction with the rapid HIV testing program.
• Most staff agreed that HIV testing improved patient care (93%) and did not impede their workflow (82%).
• Physicians expressed higher satisfaction compared to nurses and registration staff, with most staff perceiving positive patient satisfaction with the testing process.

Conclusions:

• Emergency department staff exhibit high satisfaction and positive attitudes towards the rapid HIV testing program.
• ED staff are not a barrier to the successful implementation of rapid HIV testing initiatives.