AIDS/HIV counselling in occupational health

AIDS/HIV counselling will increasingly become part of the role of occupational health professionals. Issues that arise in the occupational setting include: occupational transmission, knowledge and attitudes, problems with family and friends, AIDS dementia, and uncertainty. Dilemmas can occur in relation to contamination incidents, HIV positive employees, or staff refusing to work because of fears of HIV/AIDS. It it easier to deal with the problems that arise if the issues have been thought through beforehand. Examples are given of problems that have occurred in a setting of occupational health in the British Health Service and their resolution is discussed.