Establishing a community hospital outpatient clinical service for AIDS patients and their families (Abstract)

The acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a rapidly developing problem affecting the family unit, because of its mode of transmission and psychosocial impact. Patients who are physically, mentally, and socially affected by this disease process must rely on their families/significant others for support. Fear and lack of knowledge about the disease have created serious strains within the family unit. The authors have developed a comprehensive ambulatory care program for AIDS by incorporating it within their primary-care clinic. This program, named the "Special Care Immunology Service" (SCIS), is flexible enough to adapt to most existing medical systems. AIDS/ARC patients are referred to the SCIS, evaluated, stabilized medically, and referred back to the primary-care physician with a detailed medical plan. Moreover, the SCIS provides a social worker, nutritionist, nurse, and psychologist, in addition to the medical care: with the physician, they function as a case management team (CMT).