AIDS in the Workplace: Implications for Hospice Programs

SUMMARY

AIDS presents health care providers with complex medical management issues as well as the need to confront their own fears and prejudices. Hospice programs provide specialized care to persons who are in the final stages of the disease. As the epidemic grows, they increasingly also must respond to HIV-infected staff. A comprehensive workplace program prepares the hospice provider for these challenges and ensures an appropriate response. The four essential elements of such a program are policy development, staff education, supervisory training, and compliance monitoring. Policies to consider include infection control, occupational exposure, confidentiality, and the response to HIV-infected patients and employees. Comprehensive education ensures quality care for AIDS patients. Particularly crucial is the education of managers and supervisors. After policy implementation and training, procedures must be instituted to monitor compliance and develop corrective action. A bibliography of additional resource materials is provided.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dorothy N. Moga

Dorothy N. Moga, MPH, is Assistant Vice President, Fairfax Hospital System, Inova Health Systems; Co-chair, Inova AIDS Task Force; member of several community boards, including Hospice of Northern Virginia; member, National Hospice Organization AIDS Resource Committee; and was Administrator, Hospice of Northern Virginia, 1979-1986.

Sharon E. Brodeur

Sharon E. Brodeur, BSN, MPA, is Director of HIV Services, Inova Health Systems; member, Metropolitan Washington Regional HIV Health Services Planning Council; and President, Board of Directors, Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry.

Peggy Beckman

Peggy Beckman, BSN, is Coordinator of Clinical Services, Office of HIV Services, Inova Health Systems; a consultant and trainer on AIDS in the workplace and AIDS patient care; and co-leader of a support group for mothers of HIV-infected persons.