Are We Preparing Future Nurses to Care for Individuals with AIDS?

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender health: fundamentals for nursing education

As the health care needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) population become increasingly important, health care professionals require appropriate academic and clinical training in preparation for the increased demand for culturally competent care. Nurses are of particular interest, as they are the core direct caregivers in many health care settings. This article explores the national climate around LGBT individuals and their related health needs. Educators and administrators who work with future nurses should strive to ensure they foster the development of knowledgeable practitioners who will be able to implement best practices in LGBT patient care. Attention should be paid to providing students with diverse clinical placements, access to LGBT interest groups, and clear expectations for LGBT-sensitive nursing care plans and course outcomes selection that promote cultural competence. Recommendations for nursing education and curricular reform are discussed.

Developing and testing an instrument for the measurement of individual care

This paper describes a preliminary study in which an instrument was developed for the measurement of individual care in adult patients and in which the reliability and validity of the instrument were evaluated. Individual care was defined in terms of how patient individuality was taken into account and how patient participation in decision-making was facilitated. The purpose here is to describe the process by which the individual care instrument (IC) was developed, the preliminary testing of the instrument and psychometric evaluation of the instrument in a sample of adult patients discharged from a Finnish general Hospital (n=203). Item analyses showed an acceptable level of internal consistency reliability and homogeneity in each scale of the IC, and Cronbach alpha values were high in every measurement. Exploratory factor analysis supported a three-factor solution. The psychometric evaluations suggested that the instrument is worthy of further development.

[Caring for patients with AIDS]

This study presents the results of a research conducted with 27 health professionals caring for patients with aids on the isolation ward of a Regional Reference Center of aids. Data were analyzed and interpreted according to the Existential Phenomenology and demonstrate the view of professionals regarding to this type of caring for. This is a tough, demanding and discriminated patient who should be seen just like any other patient; the fear of contagion and prejudice interfere in the deliver of care and in the relationship with this patient, damaging the professional attitude. Although the deleterious effects of the isolation ward on patients are perceived, there are no signs of any perspectives of offering effective support to these patients. The results of the research suggest the need of introducing educational and supporting programs to professionals of this area.

Confidentiality and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS): an analysis of the legal and professional issues

Confidentiality is one of the most significant concepts in health care and nursing practice, particularly in the arena of HIV infection and AIDS. The implications for individuals of deliberate or accidental disclosure of their HIV status can and does have far reaching effects. This paper will explore the concept of confidentiality by discussing the legal and professional issue of confidentiality and AIDS. The nature of the law and guidance by professional bodies allow exceptions to the respect of confidentiality in certain situations. AIDS and the need for confidentiality often is in conflict when public health considerations are deemed to be involved. The law is poorly developed in this area and often professional guidance is less than clear.

Willingness to provide care and treatment for patients with HIV/AIDS

This paper is derived from the findings of a larger study which examines nurses' and doctors' attitudes towards mainstreaming of hospital inpatient services for individuals with HIV/AIDS in general hospital wards. The aim of this paper is to discuss the factors which influence nurses' and doctors' willingness to provide care and treatment for patients with HIV/AIDS. Two methods of study are used in this research--a survey questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The findings of this study provide several themes about the positive attributes associated with caring for and treating patients with HIV/AIDS. These include: that caring for and treating is personally and professionally rewarding; the need to be non-judgemental and accepting of others; that previous work or social experience is related to willingness to work with patients; the influence of family and colleague support in the work environment; and having a duty of care.

Satisfaction with nursing care: a comparison of patients with HIV/AIDS, non-HIV/AIDS infectious diseases, and medical diagnoses

The purpose of this study was to describe patients' perceptions of nursing care and compare those perceptions based on patients' diagnoses (HIV/AIDS, non-HIV/AIDS infectious diseases, and medical diagnoses). One hundred forty-two patients on five units in a major medical center were surveyed using the Patient Satisfaction Instrument. In addition, 126 staff nurses completed the AIDS Vulnerability Survey. Results of data analysis indicated a statistically significant difference in patient satisfaction with nursing care among patients in the medical group compared to patients in the HIV/AIDS group, with the medical group being more satisfied with their nursing care. Further, there was a statistically significant difference across units between nurses' knowledge, attitude, and fear. In spite of their knowledge base related to HIV/AIDS, nurses felt vulnerable when providing care to this population, thus perpetuating fear and negative attitudes. Additional research into the dynamics of these relationships is imperative as we continue to see increases in the number of patients with HIV/AIDS.