Abstract

KIE: A sample of physicians, nurses, and dentists working within the South East Thames Region of England, chosen because they were at risk of acquiring AIDS from patients or were in decision making positions, was surveyed to ascertain health professional knowledge and attitudes concerning the disease. Questions were asked about HIV antibody tests, patient informed consent before testing, compulsory screening of high-risk groups, refusal of hospital admission under the Public Health (Infectious Diseases) Act, screening of various population groups before hospital admission, and the need for special precautions or referral of HIV-positive patients to special units. The study revealed that clinicians tend to be unduly eager to test patients and that they sometimes test without first informing and counseling the patient. The author recommends staff education at all levels.