Caring for people with AIDS and HIV infection in hospital-based primary care practice

Abstract

The future health care needs of individuals with HIV infection are uncertain but clearly growing. Through close teamwork and the integration of patients infected with HIV into mainstream care, the practice we describe has attempted to establish a framework for care that can be adapted and expanded to meet future needs. This capacity is becoming even more important as care for those in the early stages of HIV infection is extended, requiring regular follow-up. As the AIDS epidemic continues, it is important to monitor this and similar efforts closely. Ultimately, we may need to build programs on the strengths of existing and interested institutions without regard to whether they are AIDS-specific or decentralized. Our goal should be to insure that each, regardless of structure, be evaluated with respect to the quality of care provided. Given the growing primary care needs of people with HIV infection, national leaders in primary care must consider how to incorporate the capacity to meet these needs into their programs.