PALLIATIVE CARE IN HI V – FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE REFLECTIONS ON A CASE PRESENTATION

Cristina Nicolau ¹, Carmen Manciuc ¹, J. L. Prisacaru ¹, Alexandra Largu ¹, A. Vâţă ¹, Carmen Dorobăţ ^1
1 The Infectious Diseases Clinic of Iaşi, HIV/AIDS Department

Abstract

Introduction: Palliative care associates a wide range of therapies designed to ensure the improvement of the quality of life of HIV seropositive patients. Objectives: To underline the importance of medical and non-medical palliative care measures (with multidisciplinary implications) in the treatment of the HIV infected patient. Material and method: The evolution of an HIV seropositive patient was analyzed, from the time of detection (2005) until 2009, dynamically following the clinical – immunological and psychological curve. Initial denial of the diagnosis (which caused the late arrival in our department) marked the further progress of the case. The patient required a prolonged period of hospitalization (45 days) and sustained medical support, which involved a multidisciplinary team, joined with psychological counseling with the aid of the family, various health professionals and representatives of the church. Conclusions: establishing a partnership relationship between doctor and patient by integrating concepts, principles and practical rules of palliative care in HIV are important in the approach the HIV infected patient.