Experiences of hospital-based nurses in delivering human immunodeficiency virus self-management discharge information in the Cape Metropole

Abstract

Background: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic continues to pose a major health challenge, with hospital admission rates for people living with HIV (PLWHIV) remaining high despite treatment advances and recommendations promoting HIV self-management. Hospital-based nurses are the primary healthcare professionals interacting with PLWHIV in hospital settings, making it critical to understand their experiences in providing HIV self-management information at discharge to improve outcomes and reduce readmissions. This study’s purpose was to explore hospital-based nurses’ understanding of HIV self-management and to explore and describe their experiences in providing HIV self-management-related discharge information at a tertiary hospital in the Cape Metropole.
Methods: A qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual design was employed. Ten hospital-based nurses were purposively sampled, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Braun and Clarke’s six steps of thematic analysis were applied, with ethical principles observed and trustworthiness ensured.
Results: The study revealed that hospital-based nurses recognised the importance of understanding HIV progression, patient involvement in HIV self-management and their role in education at discharge. Participants emphasised the necessity of ongoing training to strengthen healthcare professionals’ ability to support PLWHIV effectively.
Conclusion: Providing HIV self-management information at discharge can reduce hospital admissions. However, gaps in hospital-based nurses’ knowledge highlight the need for continuous training to enhance patient education and improve self-management.
Contribution: This study identifies critical gaps in hospital-based nurses’ knowledge and practice, offering insights into measures required to equip hospital-based nurses to educate PLWHIV. Strengthening this role has the potential to improve patient wellbeing, reduce morbidity and hospital admissions.