1.

HIV
0 1 2
1. Introduction
Good morning, My name is Muhammad Omar; I’m final year medical student at Amoud
University.
2. Check name and reason for attending
Can I confirm your name and age?
You came with the symptoms of diarrhea, weight loss, swelling of glands. We run some
blood work up. So before we talk about the results of your tests, I want to ask you
some questions, is that alright?
A. Do you have wife/wives? Children?
B. What is your sexual preference (multiple partners)?
C. Past medical history?
3. Determine what the patient already knows
What you been told about your condition so far?
4. Determine what the patient would like to know
What about your concerns? What do you expect the results will be?
5. Warn the patient that bad news is coming
The result of your blood test came today morning. Are you anxious to know the result?
I’m afraid that I have a bad news for you.
6. Check the patient would like to disclose the information lonely or with support
Would you like to have the results alone or with someone you can trust?
7. Break the bad news
I’m afraid to say that the blood test confirmed that you are having the HIV virus which
causes AIDS…….. I can understand that this is very shocking news for you.
8. Give the patient time to respond “moment of silence”
9. Counsel the patient about the condition
Would you like me to explain it little further?
having the virus doesn’t mean that you are having the AIDS. HIV is virus infection that
damages the protective cells, weakening the defense system. AIDS is the result of
untreated long standing HIV infection. When the defense system is very weak, the
body cannot defend itself against other infections.
People can get infected with HIV if blood or body fluid (such as semen) from a person
with HIV enters their body. For example, a person can get HIV if he or she:
●Has sex without using a condom with someone who has HIV – This includes vaginal,
anal, and oral sex.
●Shares needles or syringes with someone who has HIV
The symptoms you might experience could be body aches, lethargy, swelling of your
glands, headache, weight loss, skin infections, diarrhoea etc.
We really don’t know how the disease progresses. Some people can be free of
symptoms for a long time. However it’s important that you use medications to prevent
further deterioration in your conditions. You will also require regular fellow up with us.
You should practice safe sex; you shouldn’t donate blood or share needles and razors.
And you shouldn’t breastfeed (if female patient).
This is an entirely confidential matter but you should tell your GP and any one you have
sex with. All your family members need to be tested for the HIV infection.
Vaccinations contraindicated in HIV: BCG; oral polio; yellow fever
10. Check understanding
11. Ask patient if they have further questions
12. Try to ensure there is someone with the patient when he leaves
13. Thanks