Find resources for physicians and for patients on positive HIV results.
For Physicians
Positive Results Referral Options
Use this to determine the best referral options after a new HIV diagnosis for medical care and psychosocial supports.
- Vancouver Coastal Health flow sheet
- Island Health flow sheet
- Interior Health flow sheet
Patient Discussion following a Positive Result
When a standard HIV lab test is positive it is essential to provide clients with post-test information and follow-up. Read BC CDC guidelines (4 pages) on post-test discussion following a positive result.
Breaking Bad News
This 2 page summary of the ‘SPIKES’ protocol for breaking bad news provides a framework for family physicians to use when delivering an HIV-positive result to a patient.
Lab requisitions for after new HIV diagnosis
Print pre-filled requisition forms for (1) the recommended blood work following an HIV positive diagnosis, (2) HIV drug resistance (BC Genotype); and (3) Abacavir hypersensitivity (HLA-B*5701).
Patient Care Flow Sheets
Use this one page flow sheet, based on BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS guidelines, as a template for the management of your patients living with HIV.
Therapeutic Guidelines
The BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS has produced guidelines (~65 pages) to support care and treatment programs for people living with HIV. Last updated March 2011.
For Patients
Healthy Living Manual: for People Living with HIV
The Healthy Living Manual (~90 pages) provides people living with HIV basic information about the virus, how to optimize their personal health, and how to approach a variety of HIV-related issues.
It's All Still Possible: Starting Points for Living Well with HIV
This 14 page guidebook is for people newly diagnosed with HIV and provides information about what HIV is, how to stay healthy, what CD4 and viral load are, and what to do next.
Disclosure: Telling Someone You Are Living with HIV
Booklet published by Positive Living BC to help people decide when and who to tell they are living with HIV, includes local resources.