The Next Generation of AIDS Patients: Service Needs and Vulnerabilities

Go beyond traditional medical care to treat the whole person!In the past ten years, the treatment and epidemiology of AIDS have changed, and HIV/AIDS services must also change. The Next Generation of AIDS Patients suggests new ways to find and care for persons living with AIDS, not just by offering traditional medical treatment but by delivering needed support services as well. This landmark book defines the startling shift in demographics of this phase of the epidemic. The new AIDS patients have different problems than the white gay men who were strongly affected in the early days of the disease: some are substance abusers or sex workers or their partners, and many have children. Clients who are homeless, poorly educated, not native English speakers, or uninsured have overwhelming social support needs and need extra help to obtain their medical requirements. The Next Generation of AIDS Patients offers detailed analyses to help you determine clients’needs and vulnerability levels, so you can provide complete biopsychosocial services. In addition, the original empirical research in this book reveals which programs deliver the best outcomes for various client populations. The Next Generation of AIDS Patientssupplies you with an effective data modeling approach for determining levels of vulnerability and need, and discusses such vital issues as:

• identifying and overcoming barriers to HIV care
• engaging and retaining in care individuals with high levels of unmet need
• delivering services to diverse minority populations, substance abusers, homeless people, and those who live in rural areas
• client satisfaction in community service organizations

In order to develop successful community-based health care and support services, medical and social work professionals must take the new face of this disease into account. The Next Generation of AIDS Patients offers practical advice, readily applicable theory, and proven strategies for caring for people living with AIDS.

George J.Huba, Lisa A. Melchior, A. T. Panter, Vivian B. Brown, David A. Cherin, W. June Simmons