title: Optimizing chronic HIV care in the Dutch Caribbean: a questionnaire based study on experience and perception of healthcare workers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has become a chronic disorder for which adaptation of current healthcare practices is needed. In Curaçao, a new organization of chronic HIV care is being set up based on task shifting in which healthcare workers (HCWs) will deliver HIV care more prominently within the primary healthcare system. In preparation for implementation of the proposed task-shifting model, we investigated the perception of HCWs regarding existing HIV care in Curaçao and the need for training in HIV/AIDS among HCWs.
  
  
  METHODS
  An in-depth questionnaire based study was used. Nineteen HCWs of seven different cadres were interviewed. The questionnaire constituted four sections: quality of existing HIV care, respondents own knowledge and willingness to be trained, need for training in HIV/AIDS and preferred educational approaches.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Quality of existing HIV services in Curaçao is considered acceptable but needs improvement mainly to facilitate integration of chronic HIV care. All respondents indicated that training in HIV/AIDS is needed among HCWs in Curaçao, especially for nurses and general practitioners. All were willing to participate in training with varying amounts of time to be spent. Training should be tailored to the level of expertise of HCWs and to the role a HCW is expected to have in the new healthcare delivery framework.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is need for training to ensure the effective integration of chronic HIV care into the existing healthcare delivery system in Curaçao.There is a willingness and need in all cadres for training with e-learning as a preferred educational tool.
authors.affiliation: Red Cross Blood Bank Foundation, Willemstad, Curacao.
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Hermanides
authors.affiliation: Atrium Medical Centre Parkstad, ` Heerlen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: J O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Busari
authors.affiliation: Epidemiology and Research Unit, ` Medical and Public Health Services of Curacao Willemstad, Curacao.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gerstenbluth
authors.affiliation: Red Cross Blood Bank Foundation, Willemstad, Curacao and University Medical Centre Groningen (Institute for Medical Education). ajduits@gmail.com.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Duits
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000379:methods; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel; D009427:Netherlands Antilles; D009726:Nurses; D010595:Pharmacists; D010820:Physicians; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires