Heterogeneity of home care assistance needs of people with AIDS

Abstract A multidisciplinary home care service for people with AIDS (PWAs) was started in Rome in September 1990. This paper describes the features of the home care service offered by the Associated Health Care Workers' Co-operative (OSA), an example of the integration of private and state systems. We detail the types and numbers of visits that PWAs have needed, and we explore the possible correlation between demographic and clinical variables and the care required. As of September 1994 service had been provided to 372 PWAs. During the 4-year period, 62,927 home care visits were made (an average of 4.3 visits/patient/week): 66% were made by psychologists, social workers and home helps, and 34% by health professionals. PWAs who, at the outset of their home care, suffered from AIDS-dementia complex (ADC), toxoplasmosis, wasting syndrome or cytomegalovirus retinitis required the highest number of visits. Psychologists, social workers and home care helps made more frequent visits than health professionals for...