HIV Scotland
promoting positive change
promoting positive change
The following tips are to help you as a service provider to understand the minimum 5 core values expected from a professional working in HIV.
The professionals and workers who come into contact with people living with HIV should have the right training and skills for their job and be able to provide support, care and treatment with resources available to them. If they do not have particular expertise, in an area related to the person's your needs, they should be able to signpost on to a service or professional who does.
This means professionals working in the field of HIV should be appropriately qualified, have the requisite skills, to update these skills when required, undertake annual appraisal, ongoing supervision, training, and be given time off to take training and continue professional development.
Service providers are expected to respect client confidentiality in all matters relating to their HIV status, build trust and not disclose any health information without a person’s consent. Professionals will be expected to store patient records safely and comply with the data protection act on privacy and confidentiality. GMC guidance on confidentiality 2009.
Services must work with people living with HIV in an open and honest way and communicate effectively with the person and each other so support is coordinated and consistent.
For professionals, creating these types of effective client relationships is all about fostering good communication and about being aware and sensitive to cultural norms differences, levels of literacy, good listening skills, treating people living with HIV with dignity, respect and compassion.
The impact of HIV on a person’s life will be far reaching and might include social, economic, physical, financial, and spiritual issues. Professionals working with people living with HIV should adopt a holistic approach and treat the person not just the illness. Be aware of family or partner relationship issues, anxiety and depression.
High quality information on services, rights and healthy living should be available to the person living with HIV in a format which suits them, and which is accessible and easily understood.
Professionals also need information, resources, and literature on sexual health that is accurate and up to date. You should know where to signpost and refer people living with HIV, feel safe, not work in isolation and be able to access the best possible advice.
Regulations and guidance on HIV are delivered through a range of mandatory statutory requirements, guidance, instructions and examples of best practice.