AIDS and palliative medicine: medical treatment issues

Caring for patients with AIDS in hospice programs presents numerous challenges. These go beyond the strictly medical decisions discussed in this article to include unique problems with social support, emotional support, and bereavement. This discussion centers on medical issues as they are commonly encountered. They can be stumbling blocks, or even surrogates, for addressing the other important issues at the end of life. Communication between all people involved in the multidisciplinary treatment of these patients is essential. Common goals should be identified and general approaches agreed upon among the physicians, nurses (clinic, hospice, home care), therapists, clergy, and volunteers. In this way we feel that the principles of hospice and palliative care can be effectively applied to most patients with endstage AIDS.