Revista de SIDA e investigación clínica

Perspectives of Clinicians and Social Services Personnel on Needs of Older Adults with HIV Who Access Healthcare at a Major Metropolitan

Abstract

Kimberly Petrovic and Christine Waszynski

We explored the perspectives of clinicians (nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians) and social services personnel (i.e., case coordinators, social workers) on the needs of older adults living with HIV and who receive healthcare at a major metropolitan hospital. We utilized a small qualitative study (n=10) as a means of developing an understanding of the perspectives shared within the framework of inter-professional collaboration for purposes of quality care for older adult patients with HIV. Five themes emerged from our qualitative research study. The first theme involves the idea of access to healthcare while the second theme suggests that older adults with HIV experience psychological issues. Third, older adults with HIV demonstrate high levels of adherence to medication regimens. Next, HIV is no longer viewed as a ‘death sentence’. Finally, education across disciplines and professions is necessary.