Positive Choice: Interactive Video Doctor
Positive Choice is an individual-level, interactive computer-based intervention to improve screening and counseling about ongoing sex risk and substance use among HIV-positive patients. While waiting for the scheduled visit with a care provider, HIV patients first complete the Positive Choice risk assessment on a laptop computer. Based on the risk assessment, a video clip appears on the computer in which an actor-portrayed Video Doctor delivers interactive risk-reduction messages to the patient. The clip is matched and tailored to the patient’s gender, risk profile, and readiness to change. This risk-reduction “Video Doctor” counseling session is based on Motivational Interviewing principles, which emphasize a patient-centered approach, non-judgmental tone, empathy, and support. The Video Doctor counseling session lasts an average of 24 minutes. After this brief session, the computer prints out two documents: (1) an educational worksheet for participants with questions for self-reflection, harm reduction tips, and local resources; and (2) a cuing sheet for health care providers, which offers a summary of the patient’s risk profile and readiness to change, and suggested risk-reduction counseling statements to serve as a prompt for discussing risky behaviors with patients. A booster Video Doctor counseling session is provided 3 months later and includes feedback reflecting changes made since the initial visit, along with an updated output for the patient and provider to review and discuss during the clinic visit.
Content Sources
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2009 Compendium of Evidence-Based HIV Prevention Interventions. Best-Evidence Interventions. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/research/prs/best-evidence-intervention.htm#completelist Accessed March 26, 2011.
2. Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions. http://www.effectiveinterventions.org Accessed March 26, 2011.
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