Biopsychosocial Approach to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) (From AIDS and IV Drug Abusers: Current Perspectives, P 155-163, 1988, Robert P Galea, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-112198)

• NCJ Number: 112212
• Author(s): M A Cohen; H W Weisman
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 9 pages
• Sale Source: University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Reprinted, with changes, from 'A Biopsychosocial Approach to AIDS,' by Mary Ann Cohen and Henry W. Weisman, Psychosomatics 27:245-49; 1986, by permission of the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine.

Annotation

This discussion examines the biopsychosocial approach to AIDS used by the Multidisciplinary AIDS Program (MAP), which was developed at a 600-bed municipal hospital.

Abstract

The MAP involved approximately 300 persons with AIDS and AIDS-related complex (ARC). Program goals were to improve the care of persons with AIDS by using a psychosocial approach that maintains a view of each individual as deserving coordinated care and treatment with dignity, and to improve communication and diminish alienation and a sense of expendability. To accomplish these goals, several enabling and terminal objectives were formulated. Among the enabling objectives were identification of volunteers from all areas of the hospital and formation of a multidisciplinary team. Among the terminal objectives were improvement in physician-patient communication, heightened awareness of psychological problems encountered in persons with AIDS and ARC, and identification of treatment methods of these problems. The MAP was comprised of a team of psychiatrists, epidemiologists, an infectious disease specialist, a head nurse, social work supervisor, and other health professionals. The team began meeting in 1983 for 1.5 hours each week to share and review new information about AIDS and to discuss patients. MAP has provided a support network to patients and staff and serves as a model for improving (1) patient care and (2) communication and education among patients and health professionals. 2 charts and 11 references.