Document 0321
 DOCN  M9490321
 TI    HIV-related disease: family physicians' multiple opportunities for
       preventive intervention.
 DT    9411
 AU    Gabel LL; Crane R; Ostrow DC; Department of Family Medicine, Ohio State
       University College of; Medicine, Columbus.
 SO    J Am Board Fam Pract. 1994 May-Jun;7(3):218-24. Unique Identifier :
       AIDSLINE MED/94337618
 AB    BACKGROUND: The spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the
       increasing number of persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
       (AIDS) are major health problems. HIV risk factors are well documented,
       and HIV disease is recognized as a chronic illness with a predictable
       course. METHODS: Since September 1987 the East Central AIDS Education
       and Training Center for Health Professionals has served Michigan, Ohio,
       Kentucky, and Tennessee. Activities include (1) educating and training
       primary health care providers on prevention and treatment of AIDS, (2)
       training selected individuals to train others, (3) providing guidance in
       multidisciplinary management of HIV disease, (4) disseminating updates
       about HIV and AIDS, and (5) serving as a support system through referral
       activities. RESULTS: Too many primary physicians, including family
       physicians, are uncomfortable with patients who are at risk for becoming
       infected with HIV or who are HIV-infected. Long-term concern and
       attention that might normally be offered to other patients with
       different chronic or fatal diseases are sometimes avoided. Patients also
       present barriers to care, making it difficult for family physicians to
       provide appropriate care. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the natural history
       of HIV infection is integral to family physicians' important roles in
       preventing and dealing with HIV. One role is screening at-risk persons;
       this function usually has associated opportunities for education. A
       second role is mainstreaming HIV-related illnesses; if family physicians
       treat HIV-positive persons, then AIDS is not someone else's problem. A
       third role is leadership; as family physicians overcome fear and
       prejudice, they become role models. Each role is consistent with
       long-held traditions of family practice.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PREVENTION & CONTROL/  TRANSMISSION
       AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections/PREVENTION & CONTROL/
       TRANSMISSION  Curriculum  Education, Medical, Continuing  Family
       Practice/EDUCATION  Human  HIV Infections/*PREVENTION &
       CONTROL/TRANSMISSION  Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice  Patient Care Team
       *Patient Education  *Physician-Patient Relations  *Primary Health Care
       Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.  JOURNAL ARTICLE

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).