Experiences of HIV/AIDS medical and nursing service during COVID-19 among people living with HIV and health providers: a qualitative study in Thailand

Introduction COVID-19 has a global health impact on vulnerable populations, including people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). Its restrictions have affected attendance and delivery of HIV health services in Thailand. The objectives of the current phenomenological qualitative study were to understand experiences of HIV healthcare service during COVID-19 among PLHIV and healthcare providers. This study also explored the model of HIV healthcare during COVID-19. Material and methods Narrative interviews were conducted among 34 participants. We intentionally recruited the participants who had experiences related to HIV healthcare service during the pandemic. Participants (nurses, physicians, and PLHIV) in ART clinics were requested to describe their experiences related to HIV healthcare service. Each interview lasted between 30 and 40 min. A thematic content analy­sis was applied to analyze data. Results Three themes were considered: 1) new normal in HIV healthcare service; 2) participative mana­gement of HIV healthcare service; 3) factors contributing to the success of HIV healthcare delivery. Theme 1 included four sub-topics: 1) reducing HIV healthcare service step; 2) rotation of PLHIV group service; 3) using alternative methods to obtain medications; and 4) modification of HIV service environment. Theme 2 consisted of two sub-topics: 1) communication within the organization to reach mutual understanding; and 2) networking. Theme 3 included three sub-topics: 1) effort of team members to deliver excellent service; 2) administrator’s support; and 3) awareness of self-management among patients. Conclusions This study provides a background for the implementation of nursing interventions, which will be designed to re-shape flexible HIV healthcare service for PLHIV during COVID-19.