Physician Perceptions and Knowledge of the Legal and Ethical Issues Regarding HIV/AIDS Confidential Disclosure in Managing Persons With HIV/AIDS at an Academic Medical Center (AMC)

Abstract

Knowledge of current institutional policies and state laws regarding HIV/AIDS disclosure and confidentiality issues is imperative for appropriate management of patients with HIV/AIDS. The literature suggests that physicians lack understanding in these areas. The purpose of this study was to measure perceptions and knowledge of physicians concerning state law and institutional policies and procedures on issues of confidentiality. Data were collected from via a 27 item objective questionnaire. Surveys were then scored and descriptively evaluated revealing a mean survey score of 51.2% indicating that subjects had relatively limited knowledge regarding state law and institutional policies and procedures on issues of confidentiality specific to patients with HIV or AIDS. Continuing education opportunities for physicians should be developed and implemented. Programmatic opportunities should target elements of state law as well as institutional policy and procedures relative to HIV testing, reporting, and disclosure. Further research should also examine the level of discordance between state law and institutional policy.