Mapping the implementation of the rapid HIV test in the Family Health Strategy: the nurses' perspective

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the implementation of the rapid HIV test in the Family Health Strategy (FHS) from the perspective of nurses.Method: A qualitative study was performed with 13 FHS nurses between March and June 2015 using a semi-structured interview.The data were analyzed by symbolic cartography and Bardin's thematic analysis. Results: The nurses projected to the center of the map: lack of test kits, insufficient time for training, speed of the test result and excessive activities. In the periphery, they placed aspects related to the physical space, the lack of participation of other professionals in the training, the ease of performing the test and breaking the news of positive HIV diagnoses. Conclusion and implications for practice: An adequate supply of test kits, tests more widely available to the entire population and training of other members of the FHS team are required. This study supports improvements in the nursing practice of rapid HIV testing.

Construct validation: coping with HIV/AIDS in Primary Health Care

“…Access to the rapid HIV/AIDS test is the best strategy available at PHC, by the speed of its outcome, especially in the most vulnerable segments of the population. This test allows early identification of HIV positive pregnant women, implementing early intervention and immediate treatment, in order to avoid transmission of the virus in a timely manner (26) . However, the greatest risk to vertical transmission of HIV/AIDS is the lack of adherence to prenatal care, not acceptance of the problem, which induces low adherence to prophylaxis and indicated treatment, and difficulty accessing high complexity services (25) .…”

“…It assumes a crucial role in the prevention of HIV/AIDS and consists in the accomplishment of the safe early diagnosis, going beyond the practice of testing, conducting counseling to the patient and family members. It allows greater resolvability and quality in care, as well as providing restructuring and expansion of the network of care for people living with HIV/AIDS, from th reception, health education activities and even prevention and health care (26) . Implementing the principle of decentralization of SUS and increasing the resolution in PHC (20) , covering the whole population and not only the specific group of pregnant women (18) .…”

Percepção dos enfermeiros acerca do processo de descentralização do atendimento ao HIV/Aids: testagem rápida

“…It is emphasized that the diagnosis in the reduction of vertical transmission is essential for timely interventions and reduction of complications, but expanding access to the general population triggers a cascade of benefits in the implementation of the care process between levels of care. 25,26…”

Perception of nurses who perform rapid tests in Health Centers

“…The need to maintain testing in pregnant women in basic care is unquestionable. However, it is extremely important to extend the access to diagnosis to other population groups besides pregnant women (13,15) . It should be considered that, even when performing tests in pregnant women only, challenges related to the distribution of supporting materials and the physical structure were also highlighted.…”