Abstract
M.Cur.
During the time as an infection control professional, there was close contact with
patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
During this contact period many needs regarding health support were identified.
Discrimination and the testing of patients for Human Immunodificiency virus
anti·bodies (HIV) without their permission, were the main problem areas.
The purpose of the study was to determine the nature and extent of comprehensive health care services for patients with AIDS. The research design is a contextual, exploring and descriptive study. This study was done in the Northern half of economic development area H where 16 health care services were identified. These include clinics, community hospitals, regional- and academic hospitals and the local authority clinic. Private hospitals were not included in the study.
Criteria for the nature and extent of comprehensive health care services were based on literature studies. Data was collected by means of structured interviews with nursing professionals in the employ of identified services and patients making use of those services.
The results of the research showed various needs in the nature and extent of the
comprehensive health care services of the patients with AIDS In order to improve the health care services, recommendations were made and guidelines given to nursing professionals. Recommendations were also made regarding other aspects of the multi·disciplinary team approach.
Based upon this study other topics were identified to enable the health care services to provide health care to the patient with AIDS.