Presentation Abstract

Expanding Access to Hispanic HIV-Infected Patients by Promoting Early Intervention, Screening, & Counseling Among Hispanic Physicians. L Zizic, R Ravelo, L Sanchez, G Falus, M Sanchez. Interamerican College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY.

Objective: To increase access of Hispanic patients to HIV-screening, counseling, testing and treatment by training Hispanic physicians and practitioners with predominantly Hispanic patient populations.

Methods: 76 physicians in the New York metropolitan area participated in a one-on-one training program administered by medical trainers. The program focused on HIV risk-assessment, counseling, testing, management of HIV-positive patients and referral services. Pre- and post test questionnaires were analyzed to measure changes in physician attitudes and HIV-related behaviors. Physicians were questioned on their procedures of risk-assessment and counseling and on the number of patients tested and number of HIV-seropositive patients treated in their practice, both before and after the program.

Results: At the conclusion of the program 96% of the program physicians were regularly screening their patients for HIV-associated risk factors, 76% were implementing screening with all patients; and 90% were regularly testing high-risk patients. 70% of the program physicians were treating or indicated a willingness to treat HIV-infected patients who were asymptomatic or had minor complications. 48% were willing to treat opportunistic infections.

Conclusions: HIV/AIDS education programs targeting physicians can be effective in changing HIV-related practice behaviors when offered in a format which is both culturally-appropriate and adaptable based on physicians' specialties and knowledge levels. Physician methods of obtaining sexual histories on Hispanic patients merits further study.

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