Digital-Based Care Support and Treatment for People with HIV/AIDS: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

HIV/AIDS preventing and overcoming attempts keep developing and adaptive to technology development. Information digitization era supports the innovation potentially optimizing healthcare service including HIV/AIDS preventing and overcoming attempts for people in Surakarta. Healthcare Service Work and Care Support and Treatment (CST) Group as one out of 6 work groups established by Surakarta City Government is also affected by information digitization. In addition to opportunities, CST healthcare digitization also generates challenges to both medical workers and patients. This research aims to explore challenges and opportunities in digital-based CST implementation for people with HIV/AIDS (PWHA) using Parsons’ modernization theory. Informant of research consisted of Surakarta City’s Health Service Office, medical workers, nurses, administrative staffs, patients, NGO Caring for AIDS, Peer Support Group, and Citizens caring for AIDS. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interview, and documentation. Data analysis was carried out by applying an interactive model through data collection, data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Data validity test used in this study was data source triangulation. The result shows that digital-based CST provides opportunities and challenges in the attempt of preventing and overcoming HIV/AIDS in Surakarta City. CST digitization potentially improves the qualities of healthcare, promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services and reduces bad stigma, but the challenges include poor understanding of human resource, limited internet access, and inadequate equipment availability.