[Coping with AIDS in a support group--an encounter with the health system]

We present the first documentation of a short-term support group for the HIV-infected and those with AIDS in Israel. The group enabled its members to cope with existential issues and with the psychological, social and medical hardships of these conditions, thus becoming an essential support factor in their lives. Participation in the group resulted in better compliance with medical treatment and helped improve psychological symptoms. It is important to stress the contribution such a support group can offer these people. The image of the health system in their eyes is presented. The 4 main areas of hardship in the encounter between the HIV-infected and those with AIDS with the health system are: ensuring privacy, consistency in procedures and in providing information, sensitivity to the emotional state of the individuals, and communication between physician and patient. It is important to bring the distress of these people to the attention of physicians so that they can show a sensitive and empathetic attitude and facilitate dialogue with the patient. It is important for medical teams to be both consistent in procedures involving the HIV-infected and patients with AIDS and in providing information, as well as ensuring privacy.