Training Modules for HIV Point of Care Testing Counsellors

Each HIV rapid testing site in Ontario is responsible for training the HIV testing counsellors that work at that site. The Ministry of Health worked with the Ontario HIV Treatment Network to update and expand Ontario’s guidance on the delivery of HIV testing and counselling, including the provision of anonymous testing and rapid testing. These training materials were developed to support clear and consistent onboarding of new sites and training of test counsellors in a user-friendly and easily accessible manner. This PDF discussed different ways that these materials can be used, and offers a sample agenda for group trainings.
During their development, these materials were reviewed and revised based on feedback from experienced HIV test counsellors from multiple Ontario sites, and Public Health Ontario. NOTE: These materials replace all previous guidance pertaining to the delivery of HIV testing and counselling, including anonymous and rapid testing.
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.
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