Document 1833
 DOCN  M94A1833
 TI    Socio economic problems of AIDS-patients prior to death.
 DT    9412
 AU    Parli K; Schoep M; Kopp C; Furrer H; von Overbeck J; Medical Policlinic,
       University Hospital, Berne, Switzerland.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):440 (abstract no. PD0370). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370742
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To assess socio-economic status prior to death and to
       investigate the available social support. METHODS: We reviewed the
       charts of 51 patients who died in 1993. RESULTS: Of all the 51 patients,
       39 (76%) requested social support (6 women, 33 men) which added up to
       220 consultations for psychological, financial and legal support in
       addition to medical care. 14 (36%) patients died outside the hospital,
       mostly at home, 11 (28%) patients were placed in a Lighthouse (median
       stay 35 days, range 2-118) and 14 (36%) patients passed their last weeks
       of life in an acute-care hospital (median stay 33 days, range 15-140).
       17 out of 39 (43%) patients had an income through work or a
       health-insurance. 22 (56%) were out of work, 10 (26%) of these got
       social security, 12 (31%) were supported through social welfare. The
       table (n = 39) shows the relation between socio-economic situation,
       place of death, and transmission-group. TABULAR DATA, SEE ABSTRACT
       VOLUME. CONCLUSIONS: Socio-economic problems must be also addressed in
       the final stage. No significant difference could be found between the
       different patient groups. Social support should be further improved.
       Since 36% of the patients died in an acute-care hospital, it seems
       especially important to find individual care-solutions outside the
       hospital.
 DE    *Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/MORTALITY/PSYCHOLOGY/THERAPY  Female
       Hospitalization  Human  *Income  Insurance, Health  Male  Social
       Security  *Social Support  Social Welfare  Switzerland  MEETING ABSTRACT

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       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).