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Are nurse practitioners prepared for the AIDS epidemic?
J Sumser1, B Gerbert, B T Maguire
1Division of Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry.
The Nurse Practitioner
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Nurse practitioners (NPs) perceive moderate occupational risk from HIV and feel competent in counseling patients. However, knowledge gaps are a barrier, highlighting the need for continuing education on HIV/AIDS medical and social aspects.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- HIV/AIDS care is increasingly integrated into mainstream medical practice.
- Nurse practitioners (NPs) are essential for providing primary care to a growing number of HIV-infected individuals.
- Geographical dispersion of HIV necessitates broader healthcare provider involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess nurse practitioners' perceptions of occupational risk associated with HIV.
- To evaluate NPs' perceived competence in managing HIV-infected patients.
- To identify barriers and educational needs for NPs in providing HIV/AIDS care.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 165 nurse practitioners using a 80-item forced-answer and 6 open-ended question instrument.
- An opportunity sampling method was employed.
- A 63% response rate was achieved.
Main Results:
- NPs perceived moderate occupational risk for HIV contraction.
- Agreement was higher on low-risk activities compared to high-risk ones.
- NPs felt competent in counseling but identified knowledge gaps as a major barrier.
- 85% of NPs deemed medical courses necessary, and 78% desired courses on social, ethical, and legal aspects of AIDS.
Conclusions:
- Nurse practitioners require comprehensive continuing education covering both medical and socio-ethical dimensions of HIV/AIDS.
- Enhanced education will empower NPs to play a more significant role in primary care for individuals with HIV/AIDS.
- Addressing knowledge deficits is crucial for improving NP capacity in HIV/AIDS management.