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Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients
Published on: June 11, 2011
A shift in referral patterns for HIV/AIDS patients.
Phillip O Fournier1, Judith A Savageau, Robert A Baldor
1University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA. FournieP@ummhc.org
The Journal of Family Practice
|February 6, 2008
Summary
Family physicians are now referring more patients with HIV/AIDS to specialists. This shift in care patterns reflects evolving treatment landscapes and highlights community health centers as key resources for HIV/AIDS management.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The management of HIV/AIDS has evolved significantly due to complex drug regimens.
- Keeping abreast of advancements in HIV/AIDS care presents a challenge for physicians.
- A previous study in 1994 established baseline care and referral patterns for family physicians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess changes in HIV/AIDS patient care and referral patterns among family physicians in Massachusetts over a decade.
- To compare current (2005) family physician practices with those from 1994 regarding HIV/AIDS patient management.
- To determine if family physicians are referring more HIV-infected patients to specialists compared to ten years prior.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted as an 11-year follow-up to a 1994 cohort study.
- The survey was mailed in 2005 to active members of the Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians.
- Data collected focused on patient care and referral practices for individuals with HIV/AIDS.
Main Results:
- While the number of HIV+ patients per practice remained similar, more practices reported having no AIDS patients.
- A significant increase in immediate referrals for HIV/AIDS patients was observed: 39.0% in 2005 versus 7.0% in 1994.
- Care patterns for AIDS patients also shifted, with immediate referrals rising to 61.7% in 2005 from 18.3% in 1994, and co-management decreasing.
Conclusions:
- Family physicians in Massachusetts have demonstrated a significant shift towards increased referral of HIV/AIDS patients to specialists over the past decade.
- Community health centers have become a crucial resource for managing patients with HIV/AIDS.
- Targeted funding for HIV/AIDS care training programs at community health centers is recommended.
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