title: Physical therapy as an adjunct treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS: an allied health perspective.
abstract: With the increased life expectancy for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) has come chronic HIV-related impairments, many of which can be successfully treated by physical therapy (PT). The purpose of this study is to determine common HIV-related impairments that merit PT, HIV providers' PT referral patterns and patients' barriers to care. 57 surveys were distributed to HIV providers in Atlanta, Georgia. Results showed that providers typically referred to PT for musculoskeletal conditions, neurological conditions and pain control. Financial issues and lack of insurance were the most common barriers to PT care. This study concluded that there is a need for PT services amongst PLWHA and that financial limitations are a significant treatment barrier for PLWHA.
authors.affiliation: Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, 1462 Clifton Road, Suite 312, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. Tel 404-712-5112, fax 404-712-4130. sara.pullen@emory.edu.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pullen
authors.forename: Kelsey
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gilman
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hunt
authors.forename: Alexis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lowery
authors.forename: Lucia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rodriguez Vargas
authors.forename: Tiara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rolle
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tsoumas
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005845:Georgia; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy / Q000639:trends; D017057:Medically Uninsured / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019037:Urban Health Services