The ethics of HIV testing and disclosure for healthcare professionals: What do our future doctors think?

Aim: This study examined future medical professionals' attitudes and beliefs regarding mandatory human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and disclosure. Method: A total of 54 US medical students were interviewed regarding mandatory testing and disclosure of HIV status for both patient and health care professional populations. Interviews were qualitatively analyzed using thematic analysis by the first author and verified by the second author. Results: Medical students considered a variety of perspectives, even placing themselves in the shoes of their patients or imagining themselves as a healthcare professional with HIV. Mixed opinions were presented regarding the importance of HIV testing for students coupled with a fear about school administration regarding HIV positive test results and the outcome of a student's career. Third- and fourth-year medical students felt that there should be no obligation to disclose one's HIV status to patients, colleagues, or employers. However, most of these students did feel that patients had an obligation to disclose their HIV status to healthcare professionals. Conclusion: This study gives medical educators a glimpse into what our future doctors think about HIV testing and disclosure, and how difficult it is for them to recognize that they can be patients too, as they are conflicted by professional and personal values.