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Patients with HIV/AIDS: physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and referral practices
P O Fournier1, R A Baldor, M E Warfield
1Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester 01655, USA.
The Journal of Family Practice
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Massachusetts family physicians are increasingly managing patients with HIV/AIDS, often co-managing care with specialists. Local continuing medical education (CME) programs are key to enhancing physician knowledge for community-based HIV/AIDS care.
Area of Science:
- Medical Practice
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Investigated family physician practices in Massachusetts concerning Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patient care and referrals.
- Examined factors influencing family physicians' decisions to refer HIV/AIDS patients to specialists.
- Assessed educational opportunities available to physicians regarding HIV/AIDS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand current HIV/AIDS care and referral patterns among Massachusetts family physicians.
- To identify factors influencing referral decisions for HIV/AIDS patients.
- To evaluate the role and accessibility of continuing medical education (CME) for HIV/AIDS management.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed in 1994 to 468 members of the Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians.
- The questionnaire collected data on practice setting (urban/rural, teaching/non-teaching), years in practice, and knowledge/attitudes towards HIV/AIDS patients.
- Data analysis involved Student's t test, chi-square, and correlation analysis.
Main Results:
- 60% of surveyed physicians (281) responded. 65% reported treating HIV patients, and 46% treated AIDS patients.
- Physicians caring for HIV/AIDS patients were more likely to be in urban settings, have more patients, or be recently graduated.
- Lack of knowledge and time were cited by physicians not caring for HIV/AIDS patients; peer-to-peer learning was significant for those providing care.
Conclusions:
- Family physicians are increasingly involved in the care of HIV/AIDS patients, often managing care independently or with specialists.
- Physicians who do not manage HIV/AIDS patients report lower knowledge and time constraints.
- Community-based CME programs, leveraging local resources and peer discussion, are vital for equipping family physicians to manage HIV/AIDS in their practices.