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Education and training

Organizations need to develop staff training to support the distribution of HIV self-test kits. Training staff on self-testing is essential to ensuring that messaging is consistent, that the information provided to clients is of high quality and that staff are prepared to field questions from clients. Preparing staff with the knowledge they need to have informed conversations is crucial, as is preparing them with the skills to deliver this information to clients in a sensitive and respectful way. Education and training should prepare staff to provide culturally safe approaches (e.g., trainings tailored to resonate with communities) that allow them to support diverse communities and work in different contexts (e.g., outreach, in-office, online).

“Treat folks as an individual not another cookie cutter engagement. Meet folks where they are at with facts and myth busting” – Dialogue participant

The following best-practice recommendations outline strategies to consider when developing and implementing effective staff training approaches related to HIV self-testing services.

Practice-based recommendations:

1. Aim to train staff members who may engage with self-testing to ensure consistent and high-quality service delivery. 

2. When designing staff training, reflect on concerns identified during staff consultations and tailor the training to address these issues (e.g., anxieties related to self-testing).

3. When developing training, cover a diverse range of topics so that staff have the information and skills they need to effectively distribute HIV self-test kits. Training should include the following components:

  • Familiarize staff with standardized policies and procedures for HIV self-test kit distribution. 
  • Provide comprehensive education on HIV basics, including HIV transmission, prevention (e.g., PrEP), testing and treatment information.
  • Provide information on HIV self-testing (e.g., approval of the HIV self-test, the accuracy of the self-test, the need for confirmatory testing following a reactive result, the window period of the test, self-test storage requirements). 
  • Equip staff with the information they need to provide pre-test information so that they can empower clients with accurate information and address any concerns or misconceptions they may have. Equip staff with the information and skills they need to provide effective post-test information including providing support, addressing emotional reactions and facilitating appropriate follow-up.
  • Discuss the potential legal implications of HIV non-disclosure in your area.
  • Provide training on practical skills such as active listening, test facilitation and how to support people who are anxious about taking the test. It can be helpful to facilitate opportunities for staff to engage in role-playing exercises to practise these skills.
  • Emphasize the importance of facilitating immediate linkage to prevention, treatment or support services on the basis of an individual's specific needs and preferences, regardless of their HIV status. 
  • Discuss the need to maintain professional boundaries and client confidentiality to uphold trust and ethical standards. Offer strategies for managing challenging situations where boundary or confidentiality issues may arise. 
  • Discuss the importance of addressing conflicts of interest. This includes offering strategies for effectively managing conflicts of interest while prioritizing the well-being and rights of the client. 

4. Use culturally safe and contextually appropriate training methodologies, materials and information to ensure effective learning experiences. Tailor training to resonate with participants from diverse cultural backgrounds and contexts. Incorporate locally relevant knowledge and skills that acknowledge the unique needs and perspectives of the community being served. 

5. Support staff in understanding cultural humility and providing culturally safe environments. Encourage continuous self-reflection and lifelong learning about diverse cultural perspectives. By prioritizing humility, empathy and respect, staff can build trusting relationships with clients from various backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and reducing barriers to care.

6. Provide hands-on demonstrations (e.g., staff do a test), practical walk-throughs and/or scenarios to reinforce staff learning and ensure that staff are comfortable explaining how to use self-test kits and conducting pre- and post-test conversations.

7. Foster a supportive and non-judgmental environment for staff to address stigma and enhance their confidence in delivering self-testing services effectively.

8. Use resources (e.g., online and print) from external organizations to support the training you provide and to stay updated on best practices in self-testing implementation.

9. Encourage a culture of continuous learning and openness to new information among staff to ensure that everyone in your organization stays informed about HIV and evolving best practices in testing and support services.

10. Implement ongoing training initiatives to support frontline staff in delivering responsive and flexible HIV self-testing programming.