Document 0614
 DOCN  M94A0614
 TI    Design and implementation of a general practitioner program for the
       prevention and treatment of HIV infection.
 DT    9412
 AU    McCoy R; Mijch A; Grierson J; Perry G; Fairfield Hospital, Melbourne
       Australia.
 SO    Annu Conf Australas Soc HIV Med. 1993 Oct 28-30;5:78 (poster no. 9).
       Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ASHM5/94349041
 AB    OBJECTIVES: To increase the number of general practitioners able to
       successfully manage HIV patients in a community setting. METHODS: A
       state-funded education program was designed by a multidisciplinary team
       consisting of medical specialists, general practitioners, people with
       HIV infection and a range of HIV/AIDS educators. The program design was
       based at the major HIV treatment centre and each course ran for a period
       of three days. The courses were conducted by a team of presenters from
       medical and community based backgrounds. Courses were evaluated through
       the use of extensive pre-post test course questionnaires, follow up
       interviews and network monitoring. Course participants lists were
       distributed to HIV referral agencies. RESULTS: In the first 3 years of
       the program, 262 general practitioners each completed three days of
       intensive training in the clinical management of a HIV-positive client.
       Course evaluations revealed significant improvements in knowledge,
       attitudes and confidence in managing HIV-related issues. HIV client
       referral agencies reported that the program had increased the
       availability of quality HIV-related clinical services, especially in
       rural areas. The iterative evaluation and ongoing contact with course
       participants has identified core curriculum needs for general
       practitioners. CONCLUSION: This type of short term, broad based peer
       education program can provide general practitioners with the repertoire
       of skills, range of knowledge, necessary change in attitudes and level
       of confidence for the management of people with HIV infection in a
       community setting.
 DE    Ambulatory Care  Attitude of Health Personnel  Curriculum  *Education,
       Medical, Continuing  Family Practice/*EDUCATION  Human  HIV
       Infections/*THERAPY  *Patient Care Team  Victoria  MEETING ABSTRACT

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