Each HIV rapid testing site in Ontario is responsible for training the HIV testing counsellors that work at that site. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, worked with the Ontario HIV Treatment Network to create these training materials for HIV test counsellors to support clear and consistent training across the province. During their creation, these materials were reviewed and revised based on feedback from experienced HIV test counsellors from multiple Ontario sites.
At rapid point of care testing sites across the province, HIV test counsellors:
- Learn about the client’s needs and help clients assess their risk of HIV infection
- Explain the test and ensure that the client consents to HIV testing before it happens.
- Conduct rapid HIV testing and reporting
- Provide initial emotional, social and medical support when people have a reactive test
- Offer support and referral to services (including prevention, HIV care and testing for other STIs)
The training modules available here teach counsellors to undertake these tasks. There are currently seven training modules in this series:
Module 1: The Role of an HIV test counsellor
Trainee – Take Home Materials | HIV Test Counselling Checklist (Comprehensive)
Quiz on the content of this module
Additional module 1 materials for facilitators:
Facilitator’s summary | Download training slides as PowerPoint for presentation
Module 2: Assessing HIV Risk
Trainee – Take Home Materials
Quiz on the content of this module
Additional module 2 materials for facilitators:
Facilitator’s summary | Download training slides as PowerPoint for presentation
Module 3: Delivering Results and Providing Support
Additional module 3 materials for facilitators:
Facilitator’s summary | Role-play scenarios | Download training slides as PowerPoint for presentation
Module 4: The Science and Practice of HIV testing
Additional module 4 materials for facilitators:
Facilitator’s summary | Download training slides as PowerPoint for presentation
Module 5: Performing the Rapid Screening Test
Trainee – Take Home Materials | Interpreting HIV Test Results (reference card)
Quiz on the contents of this module
Additional module 5 materials for facilitators:
Facilitator’s summary | Download training slides as PowerPoint for presentation
Module 6A: Requisitions and Reporting (Nominal)
Module 6A is for counsellors at POC testing sites doing nominal HIV testing.
Trainee – Take Home Materials
Additional module 6A materials for facilitators:
Facilitator’s summary| Download training slides as PowerPoint for presentation
Module 6B: Requisitions and Reporting (Anonymous)
Module 6A is for counsellors at designated Anonymous Testing sites.
Trainee – Take Home Materials
Additional module 6B materials for facilitators:
Facilitator’s summary| Download training slides as PowerPoint for presentation
Module 7: Quality Assurance and Inventory Management
All of the quality assurance templates used by POC testing sites are available here.
Trainee – Take Home Materials
Quiz on the contents of this module
Additional module 7 materials for facilitators:
Facilitator’s summary | Download training slides as PowerPoint for presentation