[Communication barriers with the HIV+ patient perceived by health personnel]

The purpose of this study was to identify major communication barriers between health professionals and patients infected with HIV. Information from 17 experts on AIDS across Spain was gathered using the Delphi technique. A total of 24 barriers were identified and compounded into groups in relation to the provider, the patient, the message and the context wherein the communication process takes place. Major communication barriers were associated to the lacking of specific skills on the provider's side and to certain health professional's and patient attitudes towards each other and from both towards some emotional aspects related to AIDS.