FAMILY PHYSICIAN MANAGEMENT OF HIV AND AIDS - A VERMONT STUDY

Background. The purpose of this study was to survey family physicians regarding the barriers to providing primary care for persons with huma n immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and acquired immunodeficienc y syndrome (AIDS) in a small, rural state with a low incidence of infe ction. The study focused on issues facing family physicians, such as l ack of training and experience, skill in managing the complications of HIV and AIDS, fears about transmission, patients' fears about seeing a physician who treats patients with HIV or AIDS, and lack of communit y consultative and ancillary services. Methods. All 132 members of the Vermont Academy of Family Physicians were mailed a 33-item survey que stionnaire; 106 (80%) responded. Results. Fifty-seven percent of famil y physicians currently provide medical care for HIV-positive asymptoma tic patients, and 45% provide care for symptomatic patients. Seventy-t hree percent of family physicians either currently manage or are willi ng to be trained to manage HIV complications. Conclusions. The results of this study indicate that a majority of physicians are willing to p rovide a wide spectrum of medical treatment and services to patients w ith HIV or AIDS.