Healthcare Professional Perspectives on HIV and AIDS

While much is now known about HIV infection, its direct and indirect effects continue to challenge patients, families, communities, and caregivers. A new generation of health care providers is now needed to provide care for persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). Unlike earlier professional caregivers who had limited treatment options and primarily provided care for those dying from AIDS, the new generation of caregivers must understand HIV/AIDS as a chronic condition that PLWH may live with for several decades. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of HIV and AIDS, and it will cover topics ranging from the history of HIV, transmission, prevention, patient management, and working with special populations. When a student completes this course, the student will have a thorough understanding of the needs of patients living with HIV/AIDS and will be better equipped to provide care for those infected with the virus. Details