Patient referral is by far the most used partner notification strategy in Australia. In this circumstance, it is important that healthcare providers discuss with the index person how they are going to carry out partner notification and determine the best time to do it.  It is helpful to discuss different scenarios with the index person so that they can adopt a means of informing the partner that is comfortable for them. The index person should have an adequate understanding of transmission so they can answer any questions the partner may have.  It is also helpful if the index person is equipped with information and resources; for example, where the partner may go to seek advice about HIV PEP, testing and if needed, treatment. 

If the index person agrees to inform their partner/s, then their own HIV status will be known to those notified.  Fear of others knowing about their infection is often the main reason why the index person will ask a healthcare provider to do this work on their behalf. 

The healthcare provider’s aim during discussion with the index person should be to motivate them to inform as many partners who were deemed to be at risk of transmission as possible.  The question often arises about how the healthcare provider will know if the index person has completed the task.  It is always a good idea to check with the index person that partner notification has been carried out.  It may be reasonable to raise the topic with the index person a few weeks after the initial discussion to check with them on how the process is going. If the index person has been unsuccessful in completing it, the healthcare provider can offer encouragement or may take over the task on behalf of the index person.