Author: Sara Louise Boylin

Publisher:

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 90

ISBN-13:

Title. A Literature Review to Explore Global Registered Nurses' Attitudes towards People living with HIV. Aim. The aim of the literature review was to identify the existing attitudes of global registered nurses' towards people living with HIV and the factors which contribute towards these. Methods. A systematic search carried out using four databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, BNI) to identify six papers. A manual search of the reference lists identified a further three papers. The final nine papers were then subject to critical appraisal using Woolliams et al, (2009) developed critical appraisal tool. Findings. The findings from the systematic review have identified a combination of positive and negative attitudes of global registered nurses' towards people living with HIV. The thematic analysis identified professional, practice and personal attributes to be the three main factors which affect nurses' attitudes. Conclusion. Nurses are in an excellent position to reduce stigma and discrimination towards HIV-positive patients through the practice of non-discriminatory and compassionate care. This study revealed that there were some negative practices towards people living with HIV as a result of a lack of knowledge, and organisational factors. It is crucial towards the management of the HIV epidemic that nurses and other health professionals are aware of these negative practices and how they can contribute towards HIV patients disengaging with health providers. It is of great importance that RNs around the world are provided with the appropriate education and training to meet the increased care demands of people living with HIV.