Document 2126
 DOCN  M94A2126
 TI    Issues in delivery of nursing care to HIV positive women.
 DT    9412
 AU    Mouton JA; Brown N; Barros C; Burnett D; Willis B; Pettit R; Kotarba J;
       Park Plaza Hospital, Special Diseases Unit, Houston, Texas.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):375 (abstract no. PD0107). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370449
 AB    OBJECTIVE: As the number of HIV positive women increases, so does the
       need for nursing care that addresses their special needs. HIV nursing
       care, however, has been largely shaped by extensive experience with gay,
       male patients (mp). This study examines issues in the delivery of
       nursing care to female patients (fp) in a dedicated, HIV unit in a
       for-profit community hospital, and proposes general recommendations for
       issue management. METHODS: The analysis is based on semi-structured
       interviews with twelve nurses, one social worker, and two nursing
       assistants. Each tape-recorded interview lasted approximately one hour.
       The logic of grounded theory was used to locate relevant issues.
       FINDINGS: Nurses report they deliver essentially the same care to mp and
       fp, with the exception of treatment for KS in men. Due to the high
       incidence of cervical dysplasia and STD among fp, nurses suggest routine
       gynecological examinations upon admission. Nurses report they often feel
       interactionally distant from fp because: fp are usually sicker; fp are
       not used to being recipients of concern and attention; fp are usually
       less sociable because of higher shame; and fp stay is generally shorter.
       Fp are discharged earlier because of family responsibilities, poorer
       insurance coverage, or more pragmatic view of hospitalization. There are
       distinct differences between female and male nurses' approach to fp.
       Female nurses empathize with fp, whom they often view as victims to
       unscrupulous men. Male nurses also empathize with, but are more likely
       to be accepting of fp with discreditable lifestyles (e.g., drug abuse
       and prostitution). Recommendations for nurses include: help fp maintain
       personal appearance; initiate social work referrals to supplement low
       level of social and community support for fp; and except fp to be less
       likely to ask questions about procedures and to understand compliance
       requirements as well as mp, largely due to lower social class status.
 DE    Adult  Attitude of Health Personnel  Comprehensive Health Care  Empathy
       Female  Gender Identity  Human  HIV Seropositivity/*NURSING/PSYCHOLOGY
       Life Style  Male  Nurse-Patient Relations  Nursing, Team  MEETING
       ABSTRACT

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