To conclude the cycle of reflections on AIDS that began a month ago, a conference “AIDS, Sexuality, Ethics” was held on Wednesday, January 11 at the CUM. On this occasion, Patricia Asplanato, a Compliance Nurse at the Nice University Hospital, spoke about the concept of “counseling.”
The term is used to describe the support for therapeutic adherence of HIV-positive patients. What does that concretely involve? In response to the scourge of AIDS, a nursing intervention program has been developed since 1999 in Nice. It offers support and assistance to people infected with HIV who are undergoing treatment.
Patients are in no way forced to participate. The goal of this program is to achieve regular treatment intake. If they agree to participate, an appointment date is then set. At that point, the compliance nurse must establish a relationship with the patient in a suitable place to ensure total confidentiality.
Confidentiality is crucial in this type of situation. During the consultations, the professional must always listen to the patient without ever passing judgment. Loneliness, fear of the future, sadness, anger, fatigue — these are all feelings that can be addressed during the one-to-one discussions.
Patricia Asplanato presented a specific case example during the “AIDS, Sexuality, Ethics” conference. She deliberately changed the name to not betray medical confidentiality: Ms. D, 43, single, is HIV-positive. Having been on therapy for years, she is depressed and does not seem to take all the prescribed medications.
During the first consultation with the compliance nurse, in this case, Patricia Asplanato, the two women discussed and then established a personalized medication intake schedule. Some time later, at the second consultation, Ms. D said she had adhered to the schedule and also confessed to feeling better mentally due to having found more stable employment.
Confiding has also been beneficial to her. However, the nurse notes the persistence of her loneliness problem. A few months later, the patient feels better. She especially thanks the professional for listening and not judging her. Focused on the HIV-positive patient, counseling thus takes into account many factors such as behavior, social situation, and psychological state. The goal: to help the individual overcome obstacles in their life on their own. Indeed, it is crucial that the patient finds solutions themselves.
The counselor is there only to guide and direct. This useful program continues to this day in three services at the Nice University Hospital. Although it does not cure, unfortunately, this adherence support is a source of comfort and support for the victims of this virus that kills thousands every day.
Barbara D
