Pain Management for Persons Living With HIV Disease: Experience With Interprofessional Education in Nigeria

Abstract

Context: Pain management (PM) has not been routinely incorporated into HIV/AIDS care and treatment in resource-constrained settings.

Objectives: We describe training for multidisciplinary teams tasked with integrating care management into HIV clinics to address pain for persons living with HIV in Nigeria.

Methods: Education on PM was provided to mixed-disciplinary teams including didactic and iterative sessions following home and hospital visits. Participants identified challenges and performed group problem solving.

Results: HIV trainers identified barriers to introducing PM reflecting views of the patient, providers, culture, and the health environment. Implementation strategies included (1) building upon existing relationships; (2) preliminary advocacy; (3) attention to staff needs; and (4) structured data review.

Conclusion: Implementing PM in Nigerian HIV clinics requires recognition of cultural beliefs.

Keywords: HIV; Nigeria; education; multidisciplinary; pain management.