Evaluation of inpatient clinical training in AIDS care.

Background: Studies of outpatient clinical training in AIDS care have shown positive effects on residents' knowledge, attitudes and intentions. In this study, residents' knowledge, attitudes and intentions regarding the care of HIV-infected patients were used as outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of a 1-month residency training in an AIDS inpatient unit.

Methods: From April 2000 through April 2001, 33 internal medicine residents completed pretest-posttest questionnaires evaluating changes in their knowledge, attitudes and intention to care for HIV-infected patients. Of these 33 residents, 25 participated in a posttest interview, reflecting on their learning experience during the 1-month clinical rotation.

Results: At the posttest, residents were significantly more accurate in assessing HIV-associated risk (p < 0.001), and were significantly more knowledgeable about the necessary protective equipment to prevent HIV transmission (p < 0.01). Residents were significantly less concerned about the risk of infection (p < 0.01) and interpersonal concerns (p < 0.05). Residents' reluctance to care for HIV-infected patients was significantly lower (p < 0.05), as was their tendency to avoid invasive procedures or treatment of HIV-infected patients (p < 0.001). Residents designated after their training were more likely to practice universal precautions and less likely to be afraid and to stereotype HIV-infected patients. They also reported gaining insight into HIV diseases and patients' multifaceted needs, and appreciating the importance of teamwork in AIDS care.

Conclusion: A 1-month AIDS residency training can effectively enhance residents' HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and intention to care for patients infected with HIV.