Effectiveness Analysis on Pilot Program for HIV Screening Test and Consultation Service for Patients Visiting the Emergency Rooms in Taiwan

May-Lun Tsai1、An-Chi Lai1、Yen-Fang Huang1、Chin-Hui Yung2、Cheng-Feng Kao3、 Jyh-Yuan Yang3

2012 Vol.28 NO.23

Correspondence Author： May-Lun Tsai

Abstract：

In order to understand whether it is appropriate to extend HIV screening program to the sites of emergency rooms, the Taiwan CDC conducted a Pilot Program for HIV Screening Test and Consultation Service for Patients Visiting the Emergency Rooms at five hospitals, including the National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Chi Mei Hospital, Mackay Memorial Hospital in HsinChu, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, and TaoYuan General Hospital of the Department of Health, during September 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010. A total of 8,646 patients visiting the emergency rooms agreed to participate in the screening program, and three new HIV-positive cases were identified, with a positive rate of 0.035%, which is equivalent to that from screening test for general population. The analysis shows that the effectiveness of screening test conducted at emergency rooms in Taiwan was lower than those documented in literatures. Therefore, a routine HIV screening test at hospital emergency rooms in Taiwan is not cost-effective.