Donini AA, Tunala LG, Castanheira ER, Melchior R, Basso CR, Britto e Alves MT, Nemes MI; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. B10642.

QualiAids Group-Medicine Preventive Department-U. of Sao Paulo Medical School/Clinical Psychology Department-PUC of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

BACKGROUND: This study is a part of an evaluation of quality of care being carried out for the Brazilian National HIV/AIDS Program. Our objective was to identify priority factors determining quality of care based on clients and doctors perceptions of service delivery. The results of this formative research were used to elaborate instruments for a national evaluation of HIV/AIDS treatment services. METHODS: Psychologists moderated two focus groups, one with 8 doctors and one with 8 patients. The disscussion with doctors focused on their relationship with patients and other professionals. Patients discussed their perceptions of the components of care, including physical space, client-provider relationships and access to services. Transcripts were analyzed for key concepts using content analysis methodology adapted for health service evaluation. RESULTS: Patients and doctors identified client-provider communication as a priority component determining quality of care. Open lines of communication improve adherence to treatment and facilitate patients' acceptance of the disease as well as coping skills with the stigma of being HIV positive. Both groups felt that the doctors' lack of professional skills to deal with the patients' sexual desires and desires to conceive decreased overall quality of care. We found that a lack of understanding between health professionals resulted in both the doctors and the patients being confused about the role of care givers, which diminished quality of care. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to develop innovative ways of changing traditional service delivery routines and to improve communication among professionals and patients. These results contributed to define the criteria for a quality of care evaluation that is currently being carried out on national scale.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Brazil
• Community Health Services
• Focus Groups
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Health Personnel
• Health Services
• Health Services Accessibility
• Health Services Needs and Demand
• Humans
• Physicians
• education
• therapy

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0014982

UI: 102252480

From Meeting Abstracts