Informed consent for opt-in HIV testing via tablet kiosk: an assessment of patient comprehension and acceptability

Although implementation of HIV testing in the emergency department has met with some success, one commonly cited challenge is the consent process. Kiosks offer one potential strategy to overcome this barrier. This pilot cross-sectional survey study examined patient comprehension of opt-in HIV testing consent and acceptability of using a kiosk to provide consent. Subjects were guided through a simulated consent process using a kiosk and then completed a survey of consent comprehension and acceptability of kiosk use. Subjects were 50.3% female, Black (74.4%), and had an education level of high school or less (61.3%). Subjects found the kiosk very easy or easy to use (83.9%) and reported they were very or mostly comfortable using the kiosk to consent to HIV testing (89.4%). Subjects understood the required aspects of consent: HIV testing was voluntary (93.0%, n = 185) and that refusal would not impact their care (98.5%, n = 196; 99.0%, n = 197). Following a simulated consent process, subjects demonstrated a high rate of comprehension about the vital components of HIV testing consent. Subjects reported they were comfortable using the kiosk, found the kiosk easy to use, and reported a positive experience using the kiosk to provide consent for HIV testing.