[Structures of co-operation between an HIV-outpatient clinic and private care physicians].
OBJECTIVE
This qualitative study looks at structures of co-operation between the two major HIV-care settings in the region of Zurich (Switzerland), i.e. a HIV-specialised outpatient clinic at the University hospital and private practitioners. Hypothesizing that good co-operation between the institutions increases the quality and effectiveness of care for patients living with HIV and treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the structures of co-operation are investigated.


METHODS
Qualitative data were collected by means of three focus-group discussions with physicians from both settings. By means of a structured interview guide, different aspects of co-operation were assessed (e. g. current status, deficits, degree of satisfaction). Contents analysis of the data revealed consensus versus dissonance pertaining to different areas of co-operation.


RESULTS
Results show that co-operation has been implemented effectively on three different planes (case-related, knowledge-related, training-related) and generally has been perceived by the participants to function well. Institutions have different emphasis on care (specialists vs. generalists). They formulate different concepts of co-operation, which result in diverse degrees of satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of the results obtained, suggestions for improved co-operation as recommended by the participants are discussed, which could further increase the quality of HIV-related care.
Nöstlinger
C
C
Institut für Sozial- und Präventivmedizin der Universität Zürich. noestlinger@center4evaluation.com
Page
J
J
Jaccard
R
R
Somaini
B
B
Weber
R
R
D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D005194:Family Practice; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008511:Medicine; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013038:Specialization; D013557:Switzerland