Physician attitudes toward the "laying on of hands" during the AIDS epidemic

Attitudes of 227 faculty and 148 housestaff physicians toward touching patients were studied in relationship to socio-demographic and job characteristics, previous exposure to and concern about HIV infection, and attitudes toward glove-wearing. Although a majority of the physicians felt that touching patients was personally satisfying, facilitated healing, and established rapport, such positive attitudes were more to be likely expressed by the younger physicians and those who worked longer hours, spent more time in primary care, and spent less time teaching. Positive attitudes were also related to less favorable attitudes toward glove-wearing and greater belief that more frequent glove use would have a negative effect on patient care.