Topics to be covered for patients commencing a new antiretroviral regimen
Explanation of HAART
how HAART works
patient-specific rationale for starting HAART now, which takes account of the patient's own beliefs about treatment
goals of HAART
role of CD4 and viral load testing
how to monitor HAART
Adherence
what is adherence
why it is important
how drug resistance occurs
the relationship between adherence and resistance, and treatment failure
the impact of resistance on future options
target adherence levels
what to do if doses are missed, delayed, or vomited
what to do if stopping therapy
Psychosocial Assessment
assess motivation, beliefs and attitudes towards medication and adherence
assessment of behavioural skills necessary for adherence (goal-setting, time-tabling, assertiveness/communication, problem-solving, etc.)
assessment of behavioural determinants of adherence (daily routine, e.g. eating, sleeping and working patterns; recreational activities; familial/social relationships and responsibilities; travel plans, etc.)
assessment of social factors relevant to adherence (relationship status, accommodation, financial resources, etc.)
assessment of psychological disorders (depression, anxiety, etc.)
Medication History
prescription medicines
non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines
herbal, traditional medicines
recreational drug and alcohol use
previous allergies or intolerances, adherence difficulties and strategies
swallowing difficulties, i.e. can you take a pill or are liquids preferred?
Side-effects
acute
chronic/long-term
Explanation of HAART
how HAART works
patient-specific rationale for starting HAART now, which takes account of the patient's own beliefs about treatment
goals of HAART
role of CD4 and viral load testing
how to monitor HAART
Adherence
what is adherence
why it is important
how drug resistance occurs
the relationship between adherence and resistance, and treatment failure
the impact of resistance on future options
target adherence levels
what to do if doses are missed, delayed, or vomited
what to do if stopping therapy
Psychosocial Assessment
assess motivation, beliefs and attitudes towards medication and adherence
assessment of behavioural skills necessary for adherence (goal-setting, time-tabling, assertiveness/communication, problem-solving, etc.)
assessment of behavioural determinants of adherence (daily routine, e.g. eating, sleeping and working patterns; recreational activities; familial/social relationships and responsibilities; travel plans, etc.)
assessment of social factors relevant to adherence (relationship status, accommodation, financial resources, etc.)
assessment of psychological disorders (depression, anxiety, etc.)
Medication History
prescription medicines
non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines
herbal, traditional medicines
recreational drug and alcohol use
previous allergies or intolerances, adherence difficulties and strategies
swallowing difficulties, i.e. can you take a pill or are liquids preferred?