ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: To assess patients' preferences for HIV testing in Colombia. METHODS: A discrete choice experiment was used to assess preferences of patients diagnosed with HIV, for HIV testing in two HIV clinics in Bogotá, Colombia. Patients were asked to choose repeatedly between two hypothetical HIV testing options that varied with respect to five attributes: distance to testing site, confidentiality, testing days, sample collection method, and the services if HIV positive. A random parameter model was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: A total of 249 questionnaires were eligible for data analysis. Respondents showed a preference for testing on weekdays, nobody being aware, a sample taken from the arm, and receiving medications through a referral. The respondents showed a high negative preference for many people being aware, followed by testing during the weekend and home testing. Subgroup analyses by gender and prior testing history did not reveal significant differences. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that patients' preferences for HIV testing focused especially on confidentiality, availability during weekdays, and using a sample from the arm. This information could be useful to improve uptake of HIV testing in Bogotá, Colombia.
Subject(s)
Choice Behavior , HIV Infections/diagnosis , Mass Screening/methods , Patient Preference , Adult , Colombia , Confidentiality , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Surveys and Questionnaires , Time Factors , Young AdultABSTRACT
The objective of this observational study was to identify gaps in written patient information at an infertility clinic, by systematically analysing the questions raised by infertile patients in a forum or during 'phone and group consultations. This was done (1) by identifying themes raised by patients undergoing Medically Assisted Reproduction and (2) by determining to what extent the questions asked by patients were absent from information leaflets provided by the clinic. A total of 193 questions were included and 24 different themes identified (e.g. blood loss during treatment, use of and side-effects of medication). Half of the patients' questions could not or could only partially be answered using the conventional patient information leaflets (51%). Healthcare providers should be aware that the information they provide does not necessarily cover all information needs. The involvement of patients in the creation of information, for instance through an approach such as that described in the paper, can provide insight into the informational needs of patients, and help healthcare providers keep their information up-to-date and patient-centred.
