Despite recommendations, few pediatricians are routinely testing adolescent patients for HIV
In a recent study published in The Journal of Pediatrics, PolicyLab's Nadia Dowshen found that despite recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for universal HIV screening among adolescents, few pediatricians are routinely testing their adolescent patients. Most providers want to test, but many experience barriers including lack of time, problems with follow-up, and concerns about confidentiality. The providers also felt that learning more about HIV testing and how to have confidential sexual health discussions with adolescents would help, as would having access to an adolescent health educator. Dr. Dowshen and CHOP's Adolescent Initiative are now working with several practices throughout the CHOP network to address these barriers and improve adolescent HIV screening rates.