Russell-Brown P, Jones F; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1998; 12: 184 (abstract no. 13493).
Carribean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC)/GTZ, Port of Spain, Trinidad.
BACKGROUND: Sensitisation of health care workers about AIDS and the care and support of persons living with AIDS (PLAs) is an integral component of the national AIDS programme in Barbados. A recent assessment conducted as part of a service improvement effort explored the opinions of both health care workers and PWAs. This paper discusses the results of that assessment. METHODS: The research used a multi method design. A sample survey and four focus groups of health care workers provided information from the health care workers' perspective. In-depth interviews with a convenience sample of PWAs generated insights into the perceptions and experiences of PWAs regarding counselling and support services. RESULTS: Comparative analysis of the qualitative data indicates differences in judgement of quality of care between health care workers and PWAs. Not unlike previous research, data from the focus groups and in-depth interviews indicate congruent perceptions but also divergent opinions about quality of care between user and provider communities. Isolating these differences is the first step in improving service quality. Results of the assessment will be carefully considered when planning future interventions for health care workers and PLAs. CONCLUSIONS: The user perspective is as important as the provider perspective in assessments of quality care. Lasting improvements in service quality are not possible if only one perspective is considered.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Attitude of Health Personnel
- Barbados
- Conflict (Psychology)
- Data Collection
- Evaluation Studies
- Focus Groups
- Health Personnel
- Health Planning
- Health Services
- Health Services Accessibility
- Interviews as Topic
- Research
- United States
- methods
Other ID:
UI: 102227878
From Meeting Abstracts