L. Bennett et J. Duke, DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES, ETHICAL DILEMMAS AND MODELS OF CARE IN HIVAIDS HEALTH-CARE PROVISION, Sociology of health & illness, 17(1), 1995, pp. 109-119
The data reported here is part of a larger study exploring the impact
of HIV/AIDS on health care professionals. In this segment of the study
, participants (16 nurses, 5 doctors and 3 social workers), from three
hospital AIDS units were interviewed about the difficulties inherent
in their work. Analysis of the transcript data indicated that the area
s causing the greatest conflict and concern were those surrounding the
management of dying patients. A category identified in the data was t
he disagreement about patient treatment. Non-medical staff in one unit
reported stress, frustration and conflicts about the decision-making
process with dying patients and expressed their discontent with the bi
omedical model of health care delivery. In contrast, staff in the othe
r two units, reported satisfaction with the management of patients and
relief that patients were not 'pushed' to be treated. Accordingly, a
model of care which focuses on the patient's needs and encourages a te
am approach to decision-making, is recommended.