title: [Structures of co-operation between an HIV-outpatient clinic and private care physicians].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Sozial- und Präventivmedizin der Universität Zürich. noestlinger@center4evaluation.com
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nöstlinger
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Page
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jaccard
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Somaini
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Weber
mesh_terms: 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