Document 0613
 DOCN  M94A0613
 TI    The management and prevention of HIV in the rural setting: Eaglehawk
       Health Centre.
 DT    9412
 AU    Hajicosta T; Duke R; Eaglehawk and Long Gully Community Health Centre,
       Bendigo,; Victoria, Australia.
 SO    Annu Conf Australas Soc HIV Med. 1993 Oct 28-30;5:78 (poster no. 10).
       Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ASHM5/94349042
 AB    OBJECTIVES: To improve the prevention of HIV and establish treatment
       services for people with HIV infection in the Bendigo Region. METHODS:
       Six general practitioners, two nurses, one social worker, from Eaglehawk
       Health Centre 150km north of Melbourne Victoria participated in
       incorporating the management of HIV infection in a general practice
       setting. All general practitioners attended training programs at
       Fairfield Hospital Melbourne for management of HIV infection. Three were
       authorised for AZT prescribing with secondary dispensing from Fairfield
       Hospital through a local pharmacy. Funding for the service was obtained
       from the AIDS/STD Unit Health Department Victoria. A clinical service
       managing HIV infection (with limited in-patient care), HIV antibody
       testing, community and health workers education, general STD clinical
       service was then offered to the community. RESULTS: In the first 24
       months after commencing the service fifteen people with HIV infection
       were seen on a regular basis for more than six months. Nine people were
       treated with AZT and two took ddl. Three have died, all of which were
       managed at home. In addition the centre has become a focus for referral,
       the first point of contact in the local community and a resource for the
       community. It has also played a pivotal role in the development of
       associated community services and support groups for HIV. The major
       problems encountered were related to pathology services and maintaining
       confidentiality during pathology billing process, admission of public
       patients to local hospital, and the shortage of adequately
       trained/interested general practitioners in the area. The longer
       consultation times required and non income generating work required to
       run a successful service in general practice make special purpose
       funding necessary. CONCLUSIONS: HIV infection can be successfully
       managed in the rural general practice setting. Peer support, ongoing
       educational updates, and adequate funding make this possible.
 DE    Combined Modality Therapy  *Community Health Centers
       Didanosine/THERAPEUTIC USE  Family Practice  Human  HIV
       Infections/PREVENTION & CONTROL/*THERAPY  *Patient Care Team  *Rural
       Health  Victoria  Zidovudine/THERAPEUTIC USE  MEETING ABSTRACT

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