Use of electronics in easing the demands of change on HIV test counseling

Issues The field of HIV testing constantly changes. Striving for consistency across, local, state, and federal jurisdictions, while tailoring policies and procedures as needed to meet the local infrastructure and demands of the epidemic presents multiple administrative challenges for those who train counselors and staff, develop forms, and implement systems for data quality assurance. Description PalmPal is a program used by Magnet, a gay men's community health center, and the San Francisco Department of Public Health for secure electronic collection of HIV data. The client interface is self-administered, simple and private. The administrator interface uses survey programming and Microsoft Access to bundle data to match any number of external systems required of testing sites. This layered system allows programming changes to be quickly incorporated into the client interface, while maintaining the integrity of data and reports. Lessons Learned Magnet will be testing a new diagnostic rapid HIV testing algorithm, which requires similar sites to develop paperwork to document the use of new rapid tests. PalmPal allows for quick and immediate integration of these changes. Additionally, the development of a triage system for high-risk and low-risk clients, and incorporating screening criteria for RNA testing, are things PalmPal allows to happen quickly and easily from the consumer perspective. Such changes are made within hours to the existing PalmPal infrastructure. Recommendations Implementation of an electronic system for data collection is ultimately cost-effective and efficient. Once established, the result is a more flexible system of HIV test counseling and reduced burden on local agencies.