A paradigm shift in providing care for the HIV/AIDS patient

The authors report on a detailed cost study of HIV-infected patients receiving treatment at the McGill medical facilities. The results indicated that a home care setting is a cost-efficient site in which to care for an AIDS patient, with care provided in other settings when required. As the number of people with AIDS increases, efforts are needed to develop alternative care services for those infected with the virus. What is required would seem to be a service delivery system which would ensure cost-effective continuity of care across a continuum of services geared to varying levels of independence and illness severity.