title: [An evidence-based guideline to support HIV/AIDS patients with alcohol problems].
abstract: It is estimated that 300,000 people with alcohol problems and alcohol-related illnesses are presently living in Switzerland. Many of these are infected with HIV. Yet, the number is unknown. At the HIV outpatient department of the University Hospital in Basel, nurses are assessing patients and it is evident that alcohol intake is a serious health problem for some of them. In order to provide evidenced-based care to these patients, a clinical practice guideline was developed based on a comprehensive literature review and synthesis. The guideline has been implemented and helps nurses and other healthcare providers to effectively assess and provide a short-term intervention to those patients with HIV who have alcohol-related problems. For the assessment, two instruments are utilized: the AUDIT and the CAGE. These instruments were selected after evaluation as being the most sensitive and specific for patients in an ambulatory setting. Patients are also assessed for their readiness to change. In this article, the literature will be reviewed and the guideline introduced, as a basis for nurses and other health care providers to provide evidence-based care for HIV-infected patients who have alcohol-related problems.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Infektiologie, Universitätsspital, Basel, Schweiz Medizinische Poliklinik, Universitätsspital, Basel, Schweiz.
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Voggensperger
authors.forename: Katharina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fierz
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Spirig
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications* / Q000451:nursing; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment