Significant benefit of a targeted HIV testing module on medical students' knowledge and confidence

• Published in: International journal of STD & AIDS Vol. 27; no. 14; p. 1326
• Main Authors: Chong, M, Cartledge, J, Waters, L J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.12.2016
• Subjects: Clinical Competence; Curriculum; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Educational Measurement; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; HIV Infections - diagnosis; HIV Infections - prevention & control; Humans; London; Mass Screening; Students, Medical - psychology; Students, Medical - statistics & numerical data; Surveys and Questionnaires; human immunodeficiency virus; screening; Diagnosis; HIV; medical education; medical students
• ISSN: 1758-1052
• DOI: 10.1177/0956462415618111

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a HIV targeted-testing teaching session in improving knowledge and confidence at a London medical school. A survey assessing knowledge of HIV testing guidelines, confidence to offer testing and outcomes of targeted-testing teaching was developed and distributed to fifth year medical students. Results were compared for students who had completed GU/HIV modules (GU+) and those who had not (GU-) and chi-squared testing was performed; 100 and 119 questionnaires were returned by GU+ and GU- students (response rate of 92.6% and 97.5%), respectively. For the three knowledge-based questions, GU+ students were significantly more likely to provide correct answers for two (p < 0.001). Similarly, they were significantly more likely to feel confident in offering an HIV test (p < 0.001). After targeted-testing teaching 92%, 98% and 62% felt more confident about when to test, how to discuss testing and more knowledgeable about testing, respectively. Most students were happy to offer HIV testing in different medical settings; significantly fewer reported this for an acute admissions unit compared with antenatal clinic (79% vs 96%). Students who had received targeted-testing teaching demonstrated better knowledge and confidence about HIV testing. We hope this study raises awareness of the need to include HIV testing teaching in medical school curricula.