Dilemmas in AIDS care
- Author:
R. Kila
- Publication Type:Review
- MeSH:
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - prevention & control;
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - therapy;
Attitude of Health Personnel;
Confidentiality;
Counseling - methods;
Male;
Papua New Guinea;
Physician-Patient Relations
- From:
Papua New Guinea medical journal
1996;39(3):218-219
- CountryPapua New Guinea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PIP: With regard to HIV/AIDS, this editorial claims that attitude problems, communication difficulties, issues of confidentiality in connection with the prevention of disease spread, absence of uniformity in the management of patients, and lack of counseling skills all contribute to dilemmas in AIDS care. First, the author claims that, since attitude affects the way we communicate and reflects on every area of life, health care givers should change their negative attitudes in order to serve each patient with love and compassion. Next, the issue of confidentiality is addressed. The author writes that tracing of contacts is difficult when an HIV-infected individual is given his/her full right to confidentiality. Next, it is suggested that the management of HIV/AIDS patients should be made uniform by putting one person in charge in the hospital setting. Finally, the author concludes that all health workers ought to have basic counseling skills, as this is one of the most important aspects of care.
