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Challenges facing the US HIV/AIDS medical care system

Authors :
Carlos del Rio
Loida E. Bonney
Source :
Future HIV Therapy. 2:99-104
Publication Year :
2008
Publisher :
Future Medicine Ltd, 2008.

Abstract

With the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), HIV infection has become a chronic disease. Multiple studies have shown increased time to AIDS and death with HAART use. However, in the USA, not everyone who needs HAART has access to, or chooses to access, HIV care settings, in which HAART is delivered. With the diagnosis of HIV infection, patients must learn to negotiate a healthcare system that is quite complex and a portion of patients are unsuccessful in doing so. Multiple barriers prevent individuals and/or groups from taking full advantage of life-saving therapy in this resource-rich country. One significant barrier is concerned with the fragmented and unequal financing of healthcare. Others are posed by personal/cultural, structural and physician–patient relationship concerns. While improving healthcare financing policies may help overcome some obstacles, recently published data reveal that outreach programs may help overcome others. We discuss the steps, or processes, involved in accessing HIV care, including diagnosis, linkage to care and maintenance in care. We discuss disparities and barriers in care and use of HAART in the USA, and will recommend solutions. What is the problem?

Details

ISSN :
17469619 and 17469600
Volume :
2
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Future HIV Therapy
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........c29483945115d67106e2cb7245dd991d
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.2217/17469600.2.2.99