ABSTRACT
There is a critical need for trained HIV mental health specialists who possess the knowledge and attitudes necessary to meet the challenges of the HIV epidemic. A model for an intensive and experimental continuing education tutorial is briefly described, and evaluative data are presented. Upon completion of the three-day workshop, participants show an increase in HIV-related knowledge and a positive shift in attitudes regarding working with people affected by HIV disease.
Subject(s)
Community Mental Health Services , HIV Infections/psychology , Inservice Training , Patient Care Team , Sick Role , Adult , Aged , Curriculum , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
HIV disease is an emerging community mental health concern. The need for specialized training to help community mental health professionals develop comprehensive knowledge and skills to serve this new population of clients is evident. The HIV clinical tutorial model is an innovative approach to continuing education characterized by an experiential and clinical orientation, a small participant group, and an interdisciplinary faculty. The three-day intensive workshop provides participants with experiences that can alter their perspective toward clients affected by HIV/AIDS and toward the role of the mental health system in responding to this epidemic. Similar training programs should be developed nationwide through collaboration among medical schools, teaching hospitals, public health departments and community mental health centers.
