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PSYCHOSOCIAL NEEDS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS – THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ASSESSMENT TOOL
Kelina Leeks, Jacynthe Raymond
Immune Deficiency Treatment Center (IDTC), Social Work Department, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec
Objective: Until the mid 1990’s, few effective antiretroviral treatments were available. The focus of psychosocial intervention at that time was primarily to address loss, grief and palliative care. With the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART), HIV has become a chronic illness associated with long term survival. The evolution of the scientific advances in HIV/AIDS rapidly changed the psychosocial needs of the population and consequently social work practices. In this context, the IDTC developed a multidisciplinary Evaluation Clinic to annually assess the medical and global biopsychological needs of clients. Our objective was to develop a Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT) as an integral part of this clinic.
Methods: A literature review identified psychosocial needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. Various assessment tools in the literature – high social risk screening, coping and stress questionnaires were reviewed. The PAT was then developed in conjunction with social work practice experience and our multidisciplinary team at the IDTC.
Results: The PAT that was developed will be presented. Consensus was reached regarding the importance of assessing coping strategies and skills in the context of a chronic illness. The interview questions identify coping strategies/skills and client’s current needs. Ten social workers primarily practicing in the field of HIV/AIDS reviewed the PAT and the results of the review will be presented. An initial sampling of clients completed the questionnaire and their feedback is discussed.
Conclusions: PAT was developed and adapted based on peer review and practice experience. The usefulness of the tool will be assessed with time. Recommendations for further research will be made.