ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses a number of issues related to care of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in a managed care environment, with a specific focus on capitated programs for end-stage AIDS care. Qualitative methods such as focus groups and key informant interviews are widely recognized as an excellent means to obtain rich, detailed information that cannot always be captured by standardized, quantitative techniques. The participants identified numerous aspects of the Transprofessional Model that were viewed as strengths. Overall, the group thought that the model works well in servicing terminal patients, decreasing care costs, and improving patient and staff quality of life. The Transprofessional Model is viewed as not only beneficial for patients, but for the team members as well. Staff members have multiple support sources under this multidisciplinary model, and are likely to be less frustrated and therefore able to deal with patient issues without allowing their own personal issues to interfere.
