Recurrent themes of concern in groups for health care professionals

Abstract

This paper reports of recurrent themes of concern about AIDS expressed by health care professionals participating in small group sessions. Three dominant themes emerged: fear of contagion, homophobia, and attachment and loss. For each of these themes the possible meanings are explored. Fear of contagion was the dominant theme and is discussed as both a possible expression of displaced homophobia and a 'catastrophic' risk factor (extreme negative consequence). The need of health care professionals to see themselves as 'different' from the person with AIDS is also discussed. Professionals also discussed the emotional burden of caring for young patients often similar in age to themselves. It is suggested that hospital policy makers need to accept the reality of staff concerns and provide adequate forums for expression of concerns since without an opportunity for thoughtful discussion, health care professionals may espouse the 'correct' position and attitude, but believe and practise something else.

Measuring the stress associated with caring for clients with HIV/AIDS

“…This discrepancy may reflect a bias in the sample, or pressure within the working environment to be non-judgemental about people with HIV or AIDS (Taerk et al, 1993). However, responses to the other items in the AIDS-stress scale were not markedly different from those reported by Pleck et al, and no other significant relationships were found between the factors and the measure of social desirability.…”

“…As might be expected, three types of concern about working with clients with HIV/AIDS (death, and helping clients and their relatives) were more likely amongst those with higher 'workload' scores. Again, small group discussions could be beneficial to these health care workers, allowing them to give voice to their concerns and fears (Taerk et al, 1993).…”

Atendimento odontológico de portadores de HIV/AIDS: fatores associados à disposição de cirurgiões-dentistas do Sistema Único de Saúde de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil

“…Estudos com a finalidade de determinar quais os fatores determinantes da conduta de profissionais de saúde em atender pacientes com HIV/AIDS têm sido desenvolvidos em vários países. Os principais fatores associados com a disposição para o atendimento de pacientes com HIV/AIDS, de acordo com lite-ratura revisada, são: preconceito 7,8,9 ; medo do contágio 7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 ; atitudes frente à epidemia 8,10,14,15,16 ; conhecimento técnico sobre a infecção pelo HIV 10,17 ; percepção sobre risco ocupacional 11,18 ; experiência anterior com pacientes portadores de HIV/AIDS 2,8,13,18 ; estadiamento da infecção pelo HIV do paciente 14,15,16,19 ; idade e tempo de formado do profissional 2,8,12,17,20 ; e assalariamento no setor pú-blico 14,15,16,17 .…”

Attitudes du personnel soignant à l’egard des personnes atteintes du SIDA : impact d’un programme de sensibilisation

“…Comme Taerk et al (1993), nous croyons que les programmes de formation ne doivent pas viser uniquement à améliorer les attitudes des soignants et à développer une plus grande acceptation des personnes vivant avec le SIDA. Ils doivent avant tout laisser émerger les peurs et les craintes réelles des soignants.…”

“…Ce qui nous amène à penser que les infirmières manifestent des attitudes plus favorables à l'égard du SIDA que les étudiants en soins infirmiers davantage à cause de la désirabilité sociale que de leur expérience clinique avec cette clientèle. Selon Taerk et al (1993), il s'exercerait auprès des soignants une pression à être empathiques avec les personnes atteintes du SIDA. Ainsi, même si les intervenants vivent des peurs ou ont des préjugés, ils n'osent pas les avouer parce qu'ils risquent d'aller à l'encontre des exigences de leur profession.…”