GPs' involvement in the management of patients with HIV/AIDS in Australia

In this national study of the management of patients with the human immunod eficiency virus (HIV) in general practice in Australa, 2 000 general practi tioners (GPs) from all Australian states and territories were surveyed by m ail in April 1998, using a 60-item questionnaire. Three-quarters of those t o whom the questionnaire was sent had previously indicated that they had an interest in HIV medicine; 45 per cent of respondents were interested in HI V medicine. Over two thirds of the 766 respondents had been consulted by an HIV-positive patient, a quarter had ordered an HIV anti body test which wa s reported as positive, and more than a quarterhad HIV-positive patients wh om they treat or manage. Fifteen per cent of the sample had HIV-positive pa tients who consult them at East every three months. It was found that the m ast common role taken by responding GPs in relation to their HIV-positive p atients was in providing general health (non-HIV) consultations. They also provided counselling; referral to support services; health monitoring; and information about staying well and safer sex. There was a considerable numb er of respondents with HIV-positive patients who were not on antiretroviral drug therapy. Most responding GPs were found to refer to or manage in conj unction with specialist physicians or GPs. The widespread contact with HIV- positive patients is evidence of the need to ensure that all GPs have basic information and assistance in recognising and dealing with HIV and acquire d immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).