RECURRENT THEMES OF CONCERN IN GROUPS FOR HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS

This paper reports of recurrent themes of concern about AIDS expressed by health care professionals participating in small group sessions. T hree dominant themes emerged: fear of contagion, homophobia, and attac hment and loss. For each of these themes the possible meanings are exp lored. Fear of contagion was the dominant theme and is discussed as bo th a possible expression of displaced homophobia and a 'catastrophic' risk factor (extreme negative consequence). The need of health care pr ofessionals 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 s taff concerns and provide adequate forums for expression of concerns s ince without an opportunity for thoughtful discussion, health care pro fessionals may espouse the 'correct' position and attitude, but believ e and practise something else.