Psychological Perspectives in HIV Care: An Inter-Professional Approach

The care paradigm for people with HIV has shifted from managing progressive illness with a poor prognosis to managing a chronic condition. Despite this improvement, people living with HIV continue to experience considerable stresses, so promoting their holistic wellbeing is a key aspect of long-term care.

This book provides an accessible introduction for healthcare professionals who work with people living with HIV. It is designed to help readers understand how care in practice can be more person-centred and psychologically focused, whilst promoting compassion, health and wellbeing. Topics covered include self-awareness, attachment theories and communication as well as key aspects of providing care for people living with HIV, such as stigma in young adults, neurocognitive issues, the sexualized use of drugs, managing neuropathic pain, and the needs of older adults living with HIV.

Invaluable reading for health professionals working within multidisciplinary teams that provide care for people living with HIV, this book is also a core text for those studying in the area.

Michelle Croston is Senior Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK, and has over 20 years of experience working within HIV care as a Specialist Nurse. She was previously the Chair of the UK’s National HIV Nurses Association (NHIVNA).

Sarah Rutter is a Clinical Psychologist whose experience falls primarily within the field of physical health. She is Psychology Lead in the HIV Service at North Manchester General Hospital and the current chair of the British Psychological Society’s Faculty of HIV and Sexual Health.