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HIV and Aging: an Interprofessional Approach. Le-Ann Dolan Program Director Canadian Working Group on HIV and Rehabilitation March 19, 2011. Overview. Background on HIV / CWGHR Integration into IP practice Lessons Learned Practical strategies for sustainability Next steps.
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HIV and Aging: an Interprofessional Approach Le-Ann Dolan Program Director Canadian Working Group on HIV and Rehabilitation March 19, 2011
Overview • Background on HIV / CWGHR • Integration into IP practice • Lessons Learned • Practical strategies for sustainability • Next steps
Canadian Working Group on HIV and Rehabilitation (CWGHR) • National, multi-sector, multi-disciplinary organization • Disability and rehab in context of HIV - Bridging HIV, disability & rehab • Cross-disability and interprofessional • Priorities - integrated approach - research, education, policy and practice • Awareness of and access to rehab services and resources for people living with HIV and other episodic disabilities - cross disability/ pan disease collaboration • IP learning / education - link to IP practice • Promote effective policies to respond to needs • Address the needs and concerns of families, caregivers, communities and people living with HIV-related disabilities
Interprofessional Approach • Bridge the traditionally separate HIV and Aging communities through a comprehensive interprofessional approach to: • Promote the understanding of the interaction among parallel and overlapping conditions • Stimulate the exchange of information about HIV and Aging care • Discover how the social determinants of health impact older people living with HIV • Assess sexual behaviour and HIV-related knowledge of all older Canadians
Why Embark • We see two emerging arenas of concern: 1) The impact of HAART and
Paradigm shift from Terminal Disease to Chronic Illness • Shift away from purely HIV-related morbidity/mortality • Focus on prevention and treatment of Non-HIV causes of Morbidity & Mortality • Focus on not just keeping people alive but providing a better quality of life / maintenance of health for the long run
HIV as an Episodic Disability • Marked by fluctuating periods and degrees of wellness and illness • Unpredictable • Other episodic disabilities include: some forms of mental illness, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, arthritis, and some forms of cancer • Presents challenges for active labour force participation, insurance benefits, income security, and social inclusion
Background • 2009 - CWGHR, funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada to develop a background paper on HIV and Aging • 2010 – February – background paper completed and distributed • Partners in Aging National Forum held in Montreal March 3-4, 2010
Final report developed (available at www.hivandrehab.ca) including 4 emerging themes for consideration in research, education, policy, and practice; - Mental Health - Physical Health - Prevention - Social Determinants of Health
Conclusion • The prevalence of HIV among older adults in Canada is increasing • Older adults are prone to a number of age-related comorbidities that complicate HIV management • HIV treatment must be individualized to avoid exacerbating underlying conditions