Physician Attitudes and Experience Regarding the Care of Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Related Disorders (ARC)

The number of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) continues to increase. These patients require medical care from physicians who are well trained and who are willing to provide that care. In 1985, we undertook a survey of 314 heterosexual and homosexual physicians in Los Angeles County to determine their willingness and perceived ability to care for patients with AIDS. This survey indicates that most physicians believe that special clinics staffed by physicians who have a particular expertise in caring for AIDS patients should be established. Many of the physicians surveyed indicated that concerns about the risk of contagion with AIDS is a deterrent to treating AIDS patients. Current evidence indicates this concern is unfounded. Both heterosexual and homosexual physicians indicated a lack of medical knowledge and experience regarding the opportunistic infections and cancers that are associated with AIDS, although many physicians in both groups expressed a desire to receive more training in this regard. Our survey indicates that there is a definite need for more clinically based training opportunities for physicians who would like to provide care for AIDS patients. If such training were to become available, it is likely that sufficient numbers of physicians would be willing to care for AIDS patients.