Table 3.

Summary of Qualitative Results

PLWH	HCP
Negative experiences: • Awkward social interactions, irrelevant questions, rude treatment, blame, pity • Excessive precautions and differential treatment • Refusal or reluctance to provide care, unnecessary referrals, late diagnosis, treatment delays, insufficient support provision • Confidentiality breaches, carelessness with confidentiality, inadequate discretion	• Limited experience with PLWH • Limited knowledge of HIV not considered problematic • HIV seen as normalized, stigma not present • Emotional reactions to HIV and PLWH experienced or observed • Extra precautions taken to prevent occupational infection • Awareness that differential precautions are discriminatory • Labelling of files to warn other HCP • Curiosity regarding how HIV was acquired and link to personal responsibility (although not expressed to patient) • Awareness that attributions of personal responsibility are problematic
Positive experiences: • Equal treatment • Extra attention • Respect and partnership manifest as receiving adequate time, attentive listening, and complaints being taken seriously • Social support provision • Assurances of confidentiality