Counselling for Newly Diagnosed HIV Patients in Malaysia: Challenges and Best Practices

ABSTRACT

A HIV positive diagnosis greatly affects the psychological and emotional well-being of the person receiving the blood test results. The newly diagnosed patient is usually in shock even though they may be subconsciously aware that they have put themselves at risk. Immediate counselling must be provided by trained counsellors to ensure that the patient has access to timely support and correct information specific to the patient‟s needs in order to increase understanding and acceptance of the diagnosis. The establishment of hospital based Hospital Peer Support Programmes (HPSP) and development of non-hospital based Support Services; be it Self-help Groups or Support Groups; to strengthen the treatment services provided at Treatment Centres. People Living with HIV (PLHIV), including those representing various marginalised communities, are trained and equipped with the skills and knowledge to provide the much needed support services. Challenges still abound in the efforts to increase acceptance to the set-up and running of PLHIV provided HPSP services; as well as address resistance toward the presence of non-medically trained personnel in a healthcare setting. Benefits of having targeted community-specific HPSP counsellors available at Treatment Centres can assist in ensuring acceptance of diagnosis; enhance observance to follow-up and monitoring appointments; greater comprehension to treatment procedures; increased readiness to commencing HAART; and encourages improved adherence and compliance. Concerted efforts must be placed on actively recruiting and providing training to PLHIV from various marginalised communities in order to strengthen the support services currently available at Treatment Centres. It is essential that the Ministry of Health, Director Generals of all hospitals, as well as doctors and nurses of Infectious Diseases clinics understand the benefits of putting in place Community-specific HPSP services.