Optimizing Chronic HIV Care in the Dutch Caribbean: A Questionnaire Based Study on Experience and Perception of Healthcare Workers

Objective: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has become a chronic disorder for which adaptation of current healthcare practices is needed. In Curacao, a new organization of chronic HIV care is being set up based on task shifting in which healthcare workers (HCWs) will deliver HIV care more prominently within the primary healthcare system. In preparation for implementation of the proposed task-shifting model, we investigated the perception of HCWs regarding existing HIV care in Curacao and the need for training in HIV/AIDS among HCWs.

Subjects and Methods: An in-depth questionnaire based study was used. Nineteen HCWs of seven different cadres were interviewed. The questionnaire constituted four sections: quality of existing HIV care, respondents own knowledge and willingness to be trained, need for training in HIV/AIDS and preferred educational approaches.

Results: Quality of existing HIV services in Curacao is considered acceptable but needs improvement mainly to facilitate integration of chronic HIV care. All respondents indicated that training in HIV/AIDS is needed among HCWs in Curacao, especially for nurses and general practitioners. All were willing to participate in training with varying amounts of time to be spent. Training should be tailored to the level of expertise of HCWs and to the role a HCW is expected to have in the new healthcare delivery framework

Conclusion: There is need for training to ensure the effective integration of chronic HIV care into the existing healthcare delivery system in Curacao. There is a willingness and need in all cadres for training with e-learning as a preferred educational tool.