title: Physical therapy as an adjunct treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS: a provider needs assessment--phase II.
abstract: With the increased chronicity of HIV disease, people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) may develop impairments during their lifetime that can be addressed with physical therapy (PT). This study surveyed PTs in Atlanta, Georgia, to determine their knowledge and beliefs regarding PT treatment of PLWHA. Results revealed that the majority of respondents encounter PLWHA in their practices, viewed PT as effective for treating HIV/AIDS-related impairments, and felt comfortable treating such impairments. While most PTs self-identified their knowledge of HIV/AIDS-related impairments as "competent," less than half correctly identified transmission routes. Most PTs indicated that they would like to have additional training in PT treatment for PLWHA. This further confirms the need for continuing education opportunities for PTs in the care of 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: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pak
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pieton
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Saunders
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shelus
authors.forename: Lilly
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Webster
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D005845:Georgia / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy* / Q000635:transmission; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data