Experiences of Nursing Care among Older Adults Living with HIV

TL;DR

This study explores how older adults with HIV experience nursing care, highlighting the need for more holistic and accessible support.

Contribution

The study identifies five key themes for improving nursing care for older adults living with HIV, emphasizing patient-centered and holistic approaches.

Findings

Participants valued nursing care but highlighted gaps in addressing chronic conditions and psychological needs.

Themes included the need for holistic care, proactive assessments, and culturally appropriate access.

Participants emphasized the importance of patient empowerment and better care coordination.

Abstract

Despite advancements in HIV treatment, clinical care for people living with HIV (PLWH) remains suboptimal. To improve care delivery, it is essential to understand the lived experiences of PLWH individuals affected by HIV, particularly older PLWH adults who face unique challenges. This study aimed to explore perspectives regarding nursing care in older PLWH adults living with HIV and. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 20 11 older adults living with HIVPLWH (50+). Thematic analysis was utilized to understand their experiences with nursing care. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and systematically analyzed to identify key themes. Overall, participants described nursing care as a valuable source of support and generally high in quality. However, they also highlighted critical areas for improvement. Five key themes emerged: (1) Looking Beyond the Virus and T-Cells: the need for holistic care that addresses co-existing chronic conditions. (2) Identifying Emerging Care Needs: proactive assessments to detect evolving health concerns. (3) Unmet Psychological and Emotional Needs: addressing loneliness and social isolation. (4) Ensuring Accessibility and Culturally Appropriate Care: addressing barriers to healthcare access. (5) Supporting Patient Empowerment and Advocacy: enhancing education and resources for self-advocacy. While participants valued the nursing care they received, they emphasized the need for more comprehensive support, particularly in advocacy, social connection, care accessibility, and care coordination. These findings highlight critical gaps in current nursing practices and underscore the need for patient-centered, holistic approaches. Future research should focus on developing and implementing coordinated services to enhance the well-being of older adults with HIV.