This study analyzed the actions of physicians during the first appointment after the diagnosis of HIV presence. Data were collected through the means of observations registered in video. The verbal behaviors of four dyads doctor-patient in the ambulatory context were analyzed. Physicians' behaviors were analyzed regarding the functional transmission of HIV; investigating risky behaviors; explaining the risk of HIV spread; researching the patients' conditions; preparing the patient for the effects of the medicines; differentiating the relevant aspects of the HIV infection; directing the patient to antiretroviral therapy; and giving support to the patient. The results showed that the doctors' verbalizations were markedly superior to the patients' ones and occurred in relative frequencies in relation to a great part of the categories researched. The present data are discussed in relation to this and other results obtained and the methodology applied.
Doctor-patient relationship; Verbal behavior; Classificatory proposal; AIDS/HIV
