The Needs of Nurses to Improve Nursing Care for HIV-Positive MSM in Indonesia: A Qualitative Descriptive Study [Letter]

Dear editor

The reviewers have assessed the paper written by Kurniawan et al, titled: “The needs of nurses to improve nursing care for HIV-positive MSM in Indonesia: A qualitative descriptive study”.

While the study addressing the nursing care of HIV patients, it overlooks key roles family members play in caring for their own members living with HIV. Besides, the paper has stated clearly “the needs of nurses” but only deals with communication, skills and continuity of care. These are quite limiting to say the least. The reviewer suggests the author looks at needs, such as protective equipment, logistic needs like transportation for community care, support for people living with HIV at the community level, especially for the family members taking care of them at home, emoluments for nurses taking care of HIV positive clients at both the hospital and home, among others.

Based on the mode and style of data analysis and presentation of the results, the reviewer appreciates the clear understanding and presentation by the authors. For instance, the themes identified by the researchers were really good. Increasing the knowledge and skill of nurses will not only help the patient but the proper assessment of the patient, which includes understanding the patient completely, including the subjective and objective assessment as key essentials. Communication skill and establishing good rapport with the patient were very important. The authors have emphasized on communication skill and could do the same for the other needs identified.

To improve the patient care or enhance the quality of nursing care, the nurse has to understand the psychological aspect of care of people living with HIV. At the community level, the family members may neglect the HIV patient and offer improper care. It is the nurse’s obligation to ensure proper nursing care is provided to the patient by the family members and the visiting healthcare team. The nurse will talk with the patient’s family to develop positive communication and how they can identify challenges affecting their patients. Within the community level, not only will health education and screening test take place but then people suffering with HIV will be identified and provided with support in the form of treatment and education.

In conclusion, Kurniawan et al¹ research did not only identify proper nursing care and proper training, workshop and seminars to improve holistic care to HIV patients but also family members appreciation and care to HIV patients among them. These not withstanding, other needs necessary to improve and enhance nursing care of HIV positive patients should be addressed accordingly.