title: AIDS counseling on the front lines.
abstract: Skill at patient education is crucial to the battle against the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The fight is not confined to one segment of society or to a few geographic areas. Counseling patients at risk about HIV-antibody (HIV-Ab) testing requires a full understanding of the available tests; a psychosocial profile of the patient; candid, nonjudgmental exchanges between patient and clinician; and an ability to deal with significant emotional stress. All PAs should use their talents at patient education to help contain HIV infection.
mesh_terms: D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000379:methods; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D003376:Counseling; D006746:Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over; D006801:Humans; D009519:New York City; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010823:Physician Assistants; D013315:Stress, Psychological