The role of HIV nursing consultants in the care of HIV-infected patients in Dutch hospital outpatient clinics.
OBJECTIVE
In the Netherlands HIV nursing consultants have participated in HIV-care since 1985; their profession has changed with developments in HIV-treatment over time. The study goal was to gather information about their role in HIV-care and to provide an useful example to other (HIV-)care settings over the world.


METHODS
Interviews were held with HIV nursing consultants from all AIDS treatment centres. Descriptive analyses and statistical tests to detect differences between centres categorized by care model (parallel/unstructured/alternating), were performed.


RESULTS
58% centres perform substitution of care. HIV nursing consultants see almost all patients at least once a year and see all patients when treatment is started/altered. The frequency of consultations for HIV-patients in stable condition varies, 2-4 times a year. Substitution leads to a slight, non-significant decrease in number of consultations. Adherence support is provided at the start of and during treatment. Regular patient discussions are common. All respondents are acquainted with the guidelines. Detailed knowledge of the adherence issues is limited: 58.3% had read the adherence chapter.


CONCLUSIONS
Substitution of care model is an appropriate and effective method for the management of HIV-infected patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Further development of and research into this new role of HIV nurse consultants is appropriate.
Vervoort
Sigrid C J M
SC
Department of Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. S.Vervoort@umcutrecht.nl
Dijkstra
Boukje M
BM
Hazelzet
Esther E B
EE
Grypdonck
Mieke H F
MH
Hoepelman
Andy I M
AI
Borleffs
Jan C C
JC
D003253:Consultants; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013041:Specialties, Nursing