Supporting the health care team in caring for patients with AIDS

A multidisciplinary approach to AIDS health care is described that combines skilled generalists with subspecialists in oncology and infectious disease; incorporates assistance with the social, economic, and psychological sequelae of AIDS; and taps the resources available in the patient's community to staff inpatient and outpatient clinics. Many unresolved ethical issues posed by AIDS and the stresses of AIDS care are explored. The distribution of patients with AIDS as widely as possible throughout the physician community, publication of a newsletter of practical AIDS information, participation of staff members in decision making and formation of program goals, and collaboration with therapists have helped to reduce the stress of AIDS clinic staff members at the San Francisco General Hospital.