"Making all the difference in the world": How physicians can help HIV-seropositive patients become more involved in their healthcare

Physicians who treat HIV-seropositive patients can and should help them bec ome more involved in their healthcare. This qualitative study investigated HIV-seropositive persons' perspectives regarding when and how physicians co uld have a pronounced effect on their involvement. Sixty-four HIV-seroposit ive patients, diverse in gender, ethnicity, and risk factors, were purposef ully selected from three San Francisco Bay Area healthcare delivery setting s. A combined interview-guide approach with a standardized open-ended inter view was used to elicit participants' healthcare and physician relationship experiences. Data analysis revealed the themes that (1) involvement led to improved health outcomes and quality of life, (2) three life circumstances served as "opportune moments" for persons becoming more involved with thei r healthcare (a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, the onset of symptoms, and beginning drug treatment intervention), and (3) participants became more involved wh en their physicians used a relationship-centered approach to healthcare. Th e results of the study suggest that physicians should be aware of opportune moments to intervene with their HIV-seropositive patients and of the helpf ul effect a personal, caring, relationship-centered approach can have on th ese individuals' involvement in their care. The recognition of opportune mo ments also may have implications for treating other chronic illnesses.