Provider referral partner notification is recommended based on sufficient evidence of effectiveness in increasing HIV testing and identification of previously undiagnosed HIV-positive individuals. There is insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of partner notification using either patient or contact referral because too few studies qualified for review. Partner counseling and referral services (PCRS) involve notifying partners of HIV exposure, after which they are (ideally) tested and receive prevention or risk reduction counseling or enter into care (if they test positive).

Developed By: 

Healthy People 2020 Topic Area: 

Healthy People 2020 Objectives: 

Resource Type: 

Tags: 

Reduce Risk or Incidence of Disease or Condition, Effect Behavioral Change, Healthcare, Public Health, Clinical Practice, Primary Prevention, Informational & Educational, Patients

Community Preventive Services Task Force. Recommendations to increase testing and identification of HIV-positive individuals through partner counseling and referral services. Am J Prev Med [Internet]. 2007 Aug [cited 2013 Feb 12];33(2S):S88. Available from http://www.thecommunityguide.org/hiv/PCRS_Recommendations.pdf