Recorded presentation

Saba A Jearld, MPH¹, Mary K. Irvine, MPH¹, Nancy L VanDevanter, DrPH¹, Mary Arnold, NP¹, Renee Cohall, ACSW², and Danielle Greene, MPH¹. (1) Center for Applied Public Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032, 212-342-5164, saj2002@columbia.edu, (2) Harlem Health Promotion Center, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 600 West 168th Street, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10032

Background: Research on physician-patient interactions has been valuable in explaining factors for patient satisfaction, service utilization, and health outcomes. Less is known about the relationships between healthcare providers and their patients’ family caregivers, particularly in the context of pediatric HIV treatment. Research in this area can further family-centered program development, by elucidating how styles of client-provider communication may impact families’ ability to adhere to antiretroviral regimens. Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 30 caregivers recruited from Ryan White CARE Act Title IV clinics. Respondents included biological, kinship and non-kinship-adoptive caregivers between the ages of 29 and 73; 90% were female, 60% African-American, and 40% Latino. Interviews explored coordinative, informational, environmental, and interpersonal aspects of care. All sessions were audio-taped, transcribed, coded independently by two researchers, and analyzed in ATLAS.ti. Results: Respondents discussed various instances in which providers presented valuable information pertaining to the patients’ HIV disease status and treatment. In particular many respondents relied upon the providers as their primary source for general HIV/AIDS information, assistance in managing medications and disease progression explanations in relation to treatment adherence. Additionally, respondents illustrated specific information received from providers in selecting treatment options and solving a range of issues pertaining to the patients’ HIV disease. Conclusions: In summary, respondents highlighted the efficacy of a provider “team,” supplying information regarding all aspects of clients’ treatment. Moreover, respondents’ experiences alluded to the benefits of sufficient information in relation to medication adherence.

Learning Objectives:

• To illustrate three different aspects of informational care as described by caregivers of children living with HIV/AIDS.
• To describe the aspects of informational care that can influence adherence to HIV medications in a pediatric HIV clinic.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation