AEGiS-06IAC: Model of professional support for AIDS educators.

6th International AIDS Conference


San Francisco, California, USA — June 20-23, 1990

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Model of professional support for AIDS educators.

Int Conf AIDS 1990 Jun 20-23; 6:343 (abstract no. Th.D.869)
Robinson M, Sargeant D; Social Biology Resources Centre, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia

OBJECTIVE: To describe the key elements of an educational model underlying the "AIDS Educational Strategies Group" which has contributed to the competence and confidence of AIDS educators since 1984 in Melbourne, Australia.

METHOD: Analysis of records of meetings, structured personal interview with planners of model, members of group, convenors of group and employer agencies of members; review by focus groups; trend analysis of attendance, of issues discussed and of educational activities of members concurrent with government campaigns.

RESULTS: Key elements included: "neutrality" of convenor/host organization; multidisciplinary participation; extensive experience of educating by the convening members; relatively closed membership, ie by invitation only; fully minuted and distributed records of meetings; confidentiality and trust; commitment to regular participation. The group continues to undertake sponsorship of public updates of information about AIDS and reviews of government reports on educational policy and staffing.

CONCLUSION: The model provides highly valued peer support, reliable access to information, and opportunity to challenge the theoretical and practice basis of education about HIV infection; opportunity to reduce fear and prejudice, discuss sexual and ethical issues and respect different values stances; and enable professional "safety" to challenge government and institutional educational/prevention policies.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, Teaching, Health Education, Confidentiality, Prejudice, Public Policy, Focus Groups, Models, Educational, Curriculum, Counseling, Australia, education, ICA6KWDaegis,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,hivinfections,teaching,healtheducation,confidentiality,prejudice,publicpolicy,focusgroups,models,educational,curriculum,counseling,australia,education,ica6

900620
ThD869

Copyright © 1990 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.