OBJECTIVE. TO compare differences in AIDS patients' 30-day mortality and sa
tisfaction with care in dedicated AIDS units, scattered-bed units in hospit
als with and without dedicated AIDS units, and in magnet hospitals known to
provide good nursing care.
METHODS. Data were obtained on 1,205 consecutively admitted patients in 40
units in 20 hospitals and on 820 of their nurses.
RESULTS. Mortality was lower and satisfaction was higher for AIDS patients
in dedicated AIDS units and in nursing magnet hospitals. Primary nursing en
d-of-life care counseling and discharge planning were also more common. Hig
her nurse to patient ratios and AIDS physician specialty services were stro
ngly associated with lower mortality. Patient satisfaction was strongly ass
ociated with organizational control of care by bedside nurses. Homosexuals
were more likely to be admitted to dedicated AIDS units,which largely expla
ins the under-representation of minorities and women
CONCLUSIONS. Dedicated AIDS units and magnet hospitals offer important bene
fits to AIDS patients, including lower odds on dying within 30 days of admi
ssion, higher patient satisfaction, and care meeting professional standards
. Better nurse staffing, AIDS physician specialty services, and more organi
zational control by bedside nurses improve patient outcomes.