title: HIV healthcare provider-patient interaction: observations on the process of providing antiretroviral treatment.
abstract: The meeting during which healthcare providers and newly infected HIV+ patients discuss treatment options is a critical stage in patients' care. We describe 10 interactions between healthcare providers and HIV+ patients at two clinics. Two observers coded each of the 10 interactions for the content of the topics discussed and for communication-relevant behaviors. The interactions followed one of two general patterns, according to whether combination antiretroviral treatment was recommended or deferred. Features of the interactions are described. These features include: (1) the presentation of a single-treatment option, (2) a discussion of whether patients have the will to begin therapy and the skills to adhere to treatment regimens, and (3) organizational pressures to include patients in clinical trials.
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, USA. ergersj@uwec.edu
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Erger
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Grusky
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mann
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Marelich
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003142:Communication; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents