Lutheran HealthCare and the Hunter College Center for Community and Urban Health joined forces to train 946 of Lutheran HealthCare’s nonclinical staff in skills to provide positive and sensitive support and care for people at-risk for HIV and people living with HIV and AIDS. The study, now released, shows the successful results of HIV/AIDS sensitivity training done during the summer of 2005.
“Reducing stigma and social isolation is a crucial step for improving care, quality of life, and emotional health for people living with HIV and AIDS,” said Larry K. McReynolds, executive director, Lutheran Family Health Centers. “By providing training, policies, and procedures for all staff Lutheran remains in the forefront of HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and supportive services.”
The results of the study showed a significant increase in the comfort of the participants when interacting with people living with HIV/AIDS, employees surveyed were found to be four times as likely to have changed their behavior toward patients. Nonclinical staff trained included security guards, receptionists, personnel who deliver meal trays or clean rooms, individuals in records, and even the CEO of the hospital.
“We are extremely pleased to see the productive results of our HIV/AIDS sensitivity training at Lutheran HealthCare,” said Jennifer J. Raab, Hunter College President. “This is just one example of the important work being done by the Hunter College Center for Community and Urban Health as well as all of the other health professions programs at Hunter.”
