Behavioral assessment and risk reduction planner
Key points from effective screening approach
Researchers have found that this simple three-to-five minute behavioral assessment screener with discussion prompts and a risk reduction plan for providers can help reduce risk behaviors among HIV patients.
Clinicians take information first completed by patients about their recent HIV risk behaviors and then use this to prompt brief discussions as part of a prevention intervention that takes place in the doctor's office at the time patients meet with their HIV physician.
Available as a free download at the website of the Mountain Plains AIDS Education & Training Center (AETC) in the Prevention in Care Settings (PICS) link (http://mpaetc.org/pwp_web/provider_resources.html) or by calling the center at 303-315-2516. Here is an excerpt from the screener:
Discussion Prompts for Primary Provider
Any oral sex: Receptive or insertive? Main or casual partner? Partner serostatus? Condom or barrier used? How often?
Any anal sex: Receptive or insertive? Main or casual partner? Partner serostatus? Condom or barrier used? How often?
Any vaginal sex: Receptive or insertive? Main or casual partner? Partner serostatus? Condom or barrier used? How often?
Any IDU: Shares needles/works? Shares with main partner?
Pregnancy: Considering trying to become pregnant? Serostatus of partner?
Risk Reduction Plan
Partner Choice Strategies
- Avoid places/people that cause you to take risks
- Choose partners based on serostatus
- Identify people you can talk to
- Eliminate/reduce casual partners
Condom/Barrier Use
- Always carry condoms/barrier
- Increase use condom/barrier
Reduce Sexual Episodes
- Reduce episodes of anal intercourse
- Reduce episodes of vaginal intercourse
- Mutual masturbation only – no exchange of body fluids
- Choose not to have sex
- Don't share sex toys
- Other
- Continue current risk reduction plan
Disclosure/Communication Strategies
- Tell partners you have HIV
- Ask partners if they have HIV
- Talk to partner about safer sex
Drug-related Strategies
- Needle exchange options
- Use clean needle/works
- Don't share needles/works
- Don't use or reduce drugs/alcohol
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