Willingness to provide care and treatment for patients with HIV/AIDS

This paper is derived from the findings of a larger study which examines nurses' and doctors' attitudes towards mainstreaming of hospital inpatient services for individuals with HIV/AIDS in general hospital wards. The aim of this paper is to discuss the factors which influence nurses' and doctors' willingness to provide care and treatment for patients with HIV/AIDS. Two methods of study are used in this research--a survey questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The findings of this study provide several themes about the positive attributes associated with caring for and treating patients with HIV/AIDS. These include: that caring for and treating is personally and professionally rewarding; the need to be non-judgemental and accepting of others; that previous work or social experience is related to willingness to work with patients; the influence of family and colleague support in the work environment; and having a duty of care.