A psychoeducational model for changing nurses' AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and practices

A review of the research literature over the last five years reveals that nurses' knowledge of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has improved dramatically. However, attitudes and fears about HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have not changed commensurately with nurses' knowledge. Also, there is evidence that nurses' clinical practice is not always safe. This paper summarizes the research literature and proposes a three-tiered psychoeducational model for changing knowledge and clinical skills, knowledge and attitudes, and attitudes alone. These approaches include information and demonstration, expression of attitudes and fears, role-playing, group discussions, practice in designing policies, and exposure to various sociocultural groups, to persons with HIV, and to religious, legal, and ethical spokespersons.