Knowledge and training needs of health professionals working with people with HIV: With consideration for mixed urban rural care settings

Key take-home messages

• Despite the availability of improved knowledge and training of healthcare providers, some continue to have negative attitudes and beliefs towards PHAs, which could adversely impact PHA health and quality of life.
• The transition from emergency/palliative to complex/chronic care in HIV has created a knowledge gap with respect to appropriate care (i.e., what is appropriate care and who is qualified to deliver it), and attending to issues of diversity amongst PHAs.
• In particular need of investigation are the unique needs of rural PHAs, who may have different healthcare and access needs, and for whom practitioners may need special training.
• In general, a number of clinical guidelines exist that outline core competencies for HIV healthcare providers, but which could be improved by the addition of interpersonal, communication, and diversity training.

• Population(s)
  • Other
• Health Systems
  • Delivery arrangements