The Care of Individuals and Communities Affected by HIV/AIDS

The HIV/AIDS pandemic has affected the lives of individuals, families, and communities around the globe. This infectious disease with its many complications has disproportionately affected individuals and communities with limited resources. In the United States, those most at risk for infection and its complications are the poor and people of color. Therapeutic antiretroviral and antineoplastic regimens often can extend survival. However, significant lifestyle modifications and financial assistance often are required to ensure adherence to these complex regimens. Nursing care is essential in guiding patients, families, and communities through the prevention, treatment, and palliation of HIV/AIDS.

The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) recognizes that HIV/AIDS is a complex disease process requiring a holistic, multidisciplinary approach. The nature of the physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and other issues associated with HIV/AIDS is not unlike the experience of the person with cancer. Adequately educated healthcare providers, including oncology nurses, are essential to ensuring quality care for these individuals.

It Is the Position of ONS That

• Individuals with HIV infection have the right to timely access to the full spectrum of healthcare services.
• All nurses have a moral, legal, and professional responsibility to care for people with HIV infection.
• Incorporation of routine HIV risk assessment, prevention, and risk reduction education and interventions into standards of nursing care is integral to controlling the HIV pandemic.
• Oncology nurses must be able to recognize the unique clinical manifestations of HIV-related malignancy and encourage patient testing for HIV prior to development of a treatment plan.
• Oncology nurses have an obligation to act as resources and role models to other healthcare providers, policy-makers, and the general public in the care of individuals and communities affected by HIV/AIDS.
• All oncology nurses are educated in the unique clinical care issues of caring for patients with HIV-related malignancy.
• Evidence-based standards of care need to be defined and implemented.
• Collaboration with HIV/AIDS-related organizations, such as the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, is essential to ensuring the delivery of comprehensive quality care to individuals and communities affected by HIV/AIDS.

Association of Nurses in AIDS Care. (1999). Position statement on duty to care. Retrieved December 5, 2002, from http://www.anacnet.org/about/policy.htm

Association of Nurses in AIDS Care. (2002). Position statement on palliative care for persons living with HIV/AIDS including substance users. Retrieved October 29, 2004, from http://www.anacnet.org/about/policy.htm

Baigis, J., & Hughes, A. (2001). Evidence-based practice. Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 12(Suppl.), 9–18.

Gebbie, K.M. (1998). Foreward. In M.E. Ropka & A.B. Williams (Eds.), HIV nursing and symptom management (pp. xvii–xx). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.

International Council of Nurses. (2001). Position statement on acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Retrieved December 5, 2002, from http://www.icn.ch/psAIDS00.htm

ONS Board of Directors Approved February 1998;
Revised October 2000, November 2002, October 2004.