AIDS policy into the 1990s

Article Abstract:

The AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) sufferer carries the dual burdens of his condition and the fear and hostility it evokes in others. Evidence exists that education and prevention programs work when resources are adequate, and early intervention can even mitigate the disease itself. Although many people are now being treated, the illusion that the epidemic is lessening should be dispelled. Heterosexual transmission of AIDS is a real problem. A review of legal cases in the April 11, 1990, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association details progress and regression in different phases of the AIDS struggle. The article is Part I of a series: Part II will appear in the April 18, 1990, issue. Part I reviews court and human rights commission decisions in 14 areas. Part II will review discrimination rulings in five areas: education, employment, housing, insurance, and health care. In general, reasonable policy is that which supports the public health, and irrational policy, such as prohibiting education about AIDS, harms it. Maltreatment of AIDS patients is of special interest to clinicians, who may be liable. In Part II, discrimination will be shown to be a major barrier against limiting the spread of AIDS, a conclusion reached by several international and national organizations. Access to health care, and payment for it by insurance companies that refuse insurance to infected people, are two vital features of AIDS care affected by discrimination. The medical and public health communities are ultimately the leaders of the fight against AIDS, and practitioners must join the worldwide fight to protect the human rights of those afflicted. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Laws, regulations and rules, editorial

---

Home care in the 1990s

Article Abstract:

Home care is the provision of equipment and services to the patient in the home, in order to restore and maintain the maximal comfort, function, and health of the patient. It is one of the fastest growing areas of the health care system. The number and use of hospital beds has decreased and the use of nursing-home beds increases by two percent each year. However, the growth rate of the home care industry has risen by 20 percent annually for the past five years. Because of the economic pressures of the 1980s, more patients are now being cared for at home under the close supervision of the physician. Recent surveys of primary care physicians from the fields of general practice, general medicine, and internal medicine, indicate that 53 to 82 percent of doctors make house calls. Recommendations have been made to include specific home care training in accredited family practice and internal medicine residencies. Clinical and administrative experience in home care are required in new geriatric fellowship programs, and medical schools are beginning to include home care rotations in their undergraduate programs. The preventative, diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative, or long-term maintenance aspects of medical care at home are discussed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Forecasts and trends, Home care services, Home care services industry

---

National AIDS information clearinghouse

Article Abstract:

The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, and Centers for Disease Control collaboratively provide the National Aids Information Clearinghouse. The clearinghouse is available to professional workers dealing with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), providing current information and other professional information services. A database that documents more than 12,000 organizations providing HIV-related and AIDS-related information, services and resources is available on request. Pamphlets and reprints of important articles, including information selected from the Centers for Disease Control's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, are also available. The services are free and can be reached at (800)458-5231 and TTY/TDD access is provided at (800)243-7012. Spanish-speaking staff are also available. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Information services, National AIDS Information Clearinghouse

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Meningitis; the facts. Knowing the facts. Dieting fads: the facts
• Abstracts: Firing lines: automatic fire doors. Fire safety in the future. Fire extinguishers use survey
• Abstracts: Acquired syphilis in adults. Fecal incontinence in adults. Infective endocarditis in adults
• Abstracts: Forensic dentistry. Careers in dentistry
• Abstracts: Hospital-acquired infections in children. Management of hyperglycemia in the hospital setting

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.