Ethical issues of treating patients with AIDS in a rehabilitation setting.

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is frightening and fatal. The great fear of acquiring HIV magnifies ethical issues concerning patients and health care workers. Practitioners in the field of rehabilitation medicine will become increasingly aware of these issues, because at least 50% of patients with HIV-related illnesses develop neurological disorders. Many will need physical, emotional, social, psychological or vocational restoration. This article explores some of the ethical issues related to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) rehabilitation, including confidentiality, risk of exposure to infected patients or infected health care workers, treatment of patients and the rights of patients and health care workers.