Significant benefit of a targeted HIV testing module on medical students’ knowledge and confidence:

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a HIV targeted-testing teaching session in improving knowledge and confidence at a London medical school. A survey assessing knowledge of HIV testing guidelines, confidence to offer testing and outcomes of targeted-testing teaching was developed and distributed to fifth year medical students. Results were compared for students who had completed GU/HIV modules (GU+) and those who had not (GU−) and chi-squared testing was performed; 100 and 119 questionnaires were returned by GU+ and GU− students (response rate of 92.6% and 97.5%), respectively. For the three knowledge-based questions, GU+ students were significantly more likely to provide correct answers for two (p < 0.001). Similarly, they were significantly more likely to feel confident in offering an HIV test (p < 0.001). After targeted-testing teaching 92%, 98% and 62% felt more confident about when to test, how to discuss testing and more knowledgeable about testing, respectively. Most students were happy ...