The impact of HIV/AIDS on doctors - a report on 2 years experience of a balint group in Cape Town

Abstract

Two years experience with a vocational trainee "Balint Group" is reported. A large proportion of the patients presented were HIV positive and some had active AIDS. These patients presented special difficulties for the young trainee doctors which are discussed. (Particularly the fact that most patients were similar in age to the doctors and that the illness involved sexuality and often violence). Illustrative case studies are described. It is concluded that trainee family physicians need special training to cope with the relationship issues that arise with such patients. It is suggested that Balint Groups are a suitable vehicle for such training.