HIV PREVENTION IN PSYCHIATRIC OUTPATIENT SERVICES - A STAFF OPINION STUDY IN 5 INSTITUTIONS

The present study is part of a larger project aimed at describing staf f opinions on their role in HIV prevention with patients in five psych iatric institutions. Different categories of staff working in out pati ent services gave their opinions on subjects such as HIV transmission risk for patients, existing prevention programmes, their role as staff members in these programmes, HIV testing policy and confidentiality w ith regard to HIV status. Results show strong staff motivation with re gard to HIV issues. Response types vary with professional status. Open -ended interviews with patients are currently under way with the aim o f comparing staff and patient opinions in this area.