HIV disease: educational needs of Oregon family physicians

Questionnaires were sent to 200 Oregon family physicians to assess their attitudes and educational needs concerning human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related conditions. Completed questionnaires were returned by 160 (80%). Fifty-one percent had already managed patients with HIV disease or AIDS. Seventy-three percent indicated that HIV would have an effect on their future practice. Physicians were least comfortable in management areas concerning direct medical skills and most comfortable with counseling and behavioral science issues. Physicians were more likely to participate in "hotline consults," one-day regional workshops, and written protocols than in more high-tech, time-consuming methods of continuing medical education.