STAGES OF COUNSELLING

 TYPES OF COUNSELLING FOR STI/RTI & HIV/AIDS

• PREVENTIVE COUNSELLING

• PRE -TEST COUNSELLING

• POST -TEST COUNSELLING

• FOLLOW-UP COUNSELLING

Now we will understand different level of counselling stage a counsellor perform at centres in a normal condition i would like to give information at clinics or at other working environment if an individual comes to us how we greet or welcomes him/her the same here also by this we will be easily understand the stage of counselling.

PREVENTIVE COUNSELLING:- In preventive counselling the word prevent itself gives the meaning it means to explain about the risk of getting infected of HIV/AIDS&STI/RTI-unsafe sex practices or untested blood products received in any condition and to explore STI/RTI & HIV/AIDS Knowledge and explain it and clarify misconceptions and preventive education for safe sex practice, proper use of condom, clean needle and syringe use.

PRE-TEST COUNSELLING:- In pre-test counselling we the counsellor has to  first step is to welcome the client and get information like Name, age education standard address etc, what is the reason for testing of HIV test or VDRL test for STI or referred by doctor or admitted in ward and explain reason for testing and  meaning of result i.e. negative or positive which ever comes after the test, meaning of window period need of repeat test after 3-6 months done and tell him/her about the test implication on clients life situation (marriage, pregnancy)etc.

POST-TEST COUNSELLING

TEST NEGATIVE:- if the test result is negative than he is not infected but one thing a counsellor should always keep in mind that while pre-test counselling must confirm that whether he/she may be in high risk or not or client behaviour is at high risk if this not done than he may be in window period he/she may infect others(window period for HIV AND SYPHILIS are different) always clarify doubts give next appointment for re testing and repeat preventive education.

• TEST POSITIVE:-if the test result comes positive than the counsellors main works starts from here how to disclose the result and whether the client is prepared to hear the result or not by 360 degree feedback receiving from self after pre-test counselling only than the counsellor will be able to give the right counselling which the client needs, state result clearly and ask whom to  inform about the result and encourage him/her to bring the partner for testing so that he/she should get treatment early plan medical health. arouse hope for living a better and healthy life:–

• HIV/AIDS: in this case post-test counselling the first step is that to encourage the client  to bring the spouse/children for testing and if the client is pregnant than promote her to bring spouse for test and if found positive than to collect required document for further linking the client to go under process for cd4 count so that adequate ART medicines should start.

• STI/RTI:-if the client result is positive for syphilis than promote to test of spouse and if the pregnant lady is positive or delievary is done than educate the partner for the test of new borne baby also and carried out the treatment according to the government guidelines and explain about the complication if untreated.

FOLLOW-UP COUNSELLING:- According to the government guidelines give appointment for next visits and do testing and give always education for safe sex practice and consistence use of condoms.

KEY POINTS

NOTE: If patient requires discuss advantage and importance of knowing the HIV/VDRL status and if the client is unsure or uncomfortable with having HIV/VDRL Test declines the test, treat existing condition and ask for follow-up.