PITC Health Talk

Health talks are 20- to 30-minute patient education sessions, usually presented by a CHW or HDA while a group of patients is waiting to see a clinician or nurse. A health talk can be a great opportunity to educate patients on the benefits of HIV testing, discuss the HIV services available at the facility and dispel any common myths and misconceptions about HIV testing. This case study outlines guidelines for presenting a health talk and includes a sample script.

Guidelines for Presenting a Health Talk

1. Arrive at the clinic waiting area early and be prepared to give the health talk once the waiting area has a large number of patients.
   
2. Greet the audience.
3. Introduce yourself as health facility personnel.
4. Explain the topic you will be presenting.
5. Give the health talk. Remember the following tips when presenting:

• Be confident and know the material well
• Be loud and move around while speaking
• Engage your audience and encourage participation and questions
  
• If someone asks a question you don’t know the answer to, tell them you don’t know but you will find out

     6.  Hold a question and answer session at the end to clarify any points
          and to check for audience understanding.

A CHW delivers a health talk

Activities

• Drama display to show the process of PITC
• Have the audience give reasons why people do not get tested and correct any misconceptions
  
• Explain where HTC is done within the health facility
• Have someone who is living with HIV give a testimonial on when/how they decided to be tested
• Ensure that there is a procedure in place so that any patients who choose to be tested immediately after the talk can do so

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Example Script for a PITC Health Talk

Key Talking Points

1. Why should you get an HIV test when you visit the health facility?

• Entry point to care and allows clinician/nurse to diagnose properly
• Start HIV treatment as soon as possible to allow you to live a long and healthy life
• Protect your loved ones from contracting HIV

2. If you are not offered an HIV test, you should ask for one

• Empower patients, reinforcing that their health is their responsibility and getting an HIV test can help them plan for a healthy life
  

3. Patients have a right to confidentiality and this is a priority for counselors

• If patients suspect that someone has breached confidentiality, it should be reported

4. HIV services offered in the facility

• HIV treatment (ARVs)
• Partner testing and counseling
  
• Child and adolescent services, teen clubs, etc.
• Disclosure services
• Support groups