A global scoping review of published HIV disclosure counselling guidelines

Sharing an HIV status with others (onward HIV disclosure) can increase social support for people living with HIV (PLWH). Professionals working with PLWH are often unsure, however, about how to offer advice, particularly in the era of U = U. HIV disclosure practice guidelines could help to increase professionals' confidence and competence in this area. We conducted a global scoping review of HIV disclosure counselling guidelines for professionals working with PLWH. PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched. A thematic synthesis was conducted on the recommended strategies included in the guidelines. 1871 records were screened. Twelve guidelines met the inclusion criteria. Paediatric populations were the most frequently addressed. The thematic synthesis revealed two main categories: HIV disclosure issues (most commonly, the importance of assessing and discussing the potential consequences of HIV disclosure) and counselling strategies (e.g., consent and confidentiality). There were many issues that were rarely included in the guidelines: specific therapeutic approaches, models of disclosure, training considerations, measurement and evaluation, recent HIV developments, evidence-based disclosure interventions, and key populations. The next phase of disclosure counselling guideline development should focus on these issues to improve practice and patient outcomes.