HIV case loads of Australian GPs. Results of the national survey.
BACKGROUND
This paper presents national survey data concerning the management of HIV positive patients by GPs.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the extent and nature of GPs' involvement in the management of patients with HIV/AIDS; to identify their needs for education and support.


CONCLUSIONS
Some GPs have never been consulted by an HIV positive patient, some have no current cases, others have either low or higher case loads. GPs in the first two categories had difficulty maintaining interests and skills in HIV. Those with low case loads recognised limitations in HIV management, relying on the skills of consultants or specialist GPs, and rationalizing CME time according to their current patients. GPs with higher case loads tended to manage full care of their HIV positive patients, to be authorized s100 prescribers, to be members of the Australasian Society for HIV Medicine, to have attended an HIV specific CME course, and to practise in an inner urban area.
Kirkman
M
M
Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne. M.Kirkman@latrobe.edu.au
Bartos
M
M
Scott
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000628:therapy*; D006296:Health Services / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016526:Workload