HIV/AIDS: A Comprehensive Review (6-Hour Edition)

Course overview

HIV/AIDS Courses: There are three versions of the HIV/AIDS course. HIV/AIDS: A Review for Mental Health Providers (3 hours) HIV/AIDS: A Comprehensive Review (6-Hour Edition) (6 hours) HIV AIDS: A Comprehensive Review (7 hours) These courses overlap in content and as such learners should only complete one version of the HIV/AIDS course that best fits their continuing education requirements. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major public health issue worldwide. Research, treatment, and prevention, as well as standard protocols to diagnose and manage HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), have improved treatment outcomes to the point where total viral suppression is a possibility for many patients. Untreated, HIV had essentially been regarded as a death sentence;z however, when current treatments in the form of antiretroviral therapy (ART) are applied, many people live decades after the initial infection. Although HIV and AIDS are still very serious health problems, people diagnosed with this illness are able to achieve health and maintain quality of life much more than in previous years. Comprehensive prevention strategies and education for human services and mental healthcare providers and their patients are critical to help reduce the spread of the disease. HIV and AIDS have been the subject of significant research, and there have been dramatic improvements in disease outcomes and morbidity. Although it remains a chronic condition without a "cure," new treatment guidelines and antiretroviral drugs have provided hope for individuals infected with HIV to live symptom free and longer. People living with HIV and AIDS are diverse and come from varied backgrounds and experiences. When mental health and human services practitioners have an understanding of the biopsychosocial elements of the disease, they are better able to support clients who are considering treatment options and support best possible outcomes. To be effective, providers must know and be able to educate others on the signs and symptoms of infection, as well as various stages of the illness. Clinicians must also be able to challenge the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS. This learning material, designed for social workers, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and counselors, examines HIV infection and AIDS, multilevel prevention strategies, diagnosis, the use of ART drugs, non-biological treatment issues, lifespan considerations, and social and cultural concerns. Case examples are also included to highlight key learning points.