Impact of Comprehensive Training for Enhancing Competency in HIV Testing Laboratory: Our Experience

Background: This study evaluates the effectiveness of a 15-day hands-on training program to enhance the competency of healthcare providers working in HIV testing laboratories in central India.The program targeted two participant groups: intern students and qualified staff, focusing on pre-and post-training assessments to gauge knowledge and skills in HIV testing processes.Methods: Pre-and post-training assessments were conducted to measure the impact of the training on participants' knowledge and skills.The study compared the performance of intern students and qualified staff across different stages of HIV testing.Demographic data were analyzed to understand the participants' prior laboratory experience. Results:The results indicated a significant improvement in the knowledge of intern students across all indicators, particularly in the post-analytical stage.Notably, most participants lacked prior pathology laboratory experience, highlighting the novelty of the intervention.Comparisons between Induction Training and Refresher Training revealed that the latter consistently led to more substantial improvements, especially for qualified staff.A follow-up session after ten months demonstrated sustained effectiveness in knowledge retention, underscoring the long-term impact of tailored training. Conclusion:In conclusion, this study underscores the success of hands-on training in enhancing the capabilities of health-care providers in administering HIV testing laboratories.The findings suggest that tailored training programs can significantly improve the quality of laboratory practices and contribute to better public health outcomes.