Table 1:
Thematic analysis: data-driven codebook extract, translated from original language (Dutch)
| Phase 1: thematic analysis: data-driven codebook | |
| Themes | Example |
| Subthemes | |
| Descriptive codes | |
| Provider-initiated HIV-testing | |
| Facilitators | |
| General check-up/blood tests | I would embed it in a more general consult, ‘a health check-up’ |
| Medical file | When you are updating their medical file, asking after their medical history, stating that it is part of the anamnesis to run some preventive tests |
| (…) | |
| Barriers | |
| Fear of damaging relation GP-patient | I think you should know your patient already longer, because if you suggest that in the first or second consult… I think that’s offensive |
| HIV-stigma | HIV is still associated with drugs and sex, multiple partners, or prostitution |
| Trust patient | With someone in a stable relationship that’s difficult; they might assume I suspect them or their partner to be cheating. |
| (…) | |
| Need for a valuable reason | When they have a simple cold, you can’t offer someone an HIV test. |
| Financial barriers | We have to do already so many preventive tests, you shouldn’t increase the healthcare-costs more |
| Preference HIV-testing strategy | |
| Combination of target groups- and indicator-based screening | I would prefer both strategies combined, because they are complementary and with this approach no-one is excluded. |
| Target group screening | |
| Easier to recall | Those groups are easy to remember |
| Efficiency dependent on location | It depends on the population and practice; if you screen target groups in Brussels, it will be more efficient |
| General screening | It is difficult to assess who is at risk, it’s easier to screen everyone |
| Gradual screening | You could screen following a ‘scoring system’ with check points, as soon as a certain level is reached, an HIV- test is indicated |
| (…) | |
| Phase 2: further scrutinizing for recurring themes: data-driven additional codes | |
| Assumptions and knowledge HIV-epidemic | |
| HIV is urbanized | Here in our little town, we don't see HIV. In big cities like Antwerp it's a kind of trend |
| Ignorance target groups | Do SAM who live in our country since long, also have a higher risk? |
| Ignorance HIV (course, treatment etc) | There are few people who have knowledge on HIV, its treatment, its symptoms, … For instance, I've never heard about this PEP-pill |
| Focus on patient’s consent for HIV-testing | |
| Obliged to ask for consent (assumed guideline) | Ethically, we have to ask for consent. At least, that's how I've been thought, but well, I'm older of age (smiles) |
| Questioning HIV-exceptionalism | I think there shouldn't be a legal difference between testing for HIV or Hepatitis B |
| Generalized question for consent | I ask the consent to test for all infectious diseases, not specifically for HIV |