Recorded presentation

Ivan Purnell Josiah Cephas, PharmD, Tamara A. Foreman, PharmD, Daneka Ivory, PharmD, and Kristina Arnwine, PharmD. Center For Minority Studies, 1307 1/2 H Street, NE, Suite #302, Washington, DC 20002, 202-396-5404, tafdocrx@aol.com

Adherence to Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) for the treatment of HIV / AIDS has been identified as an important factor to help increase viral suppression. Educational and supportive counseling intervention has been shown to improve adherence to ART. Lack of effective and accessible treatment adherence services, especially in under-served populations, contribute to decreased viral suppression. It is widely accepted that strict adherence ( >95%) is required to avoid virologic failure. Additionally, there is new information indicating that adherence between 70% to 89% was strongly associated with the increased hazard of viral rebound and clinically significant resistance. A non-profit organization has created and implemented a treatment adherence service to identify and combat adherence barriers specific to under-served populations in Washington, DC. The HIV / AIDS Empowerment Program is a pharmacist run evening mobile clinic. Objectives of the program include educating clients on the disease of HIV/AIDS, current treatment options and adherence. Currently run at area Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and health clinics, treatment adherence services are provided via group educational sessions and individual consultations. Program evaluations have shown that the HIV /AIDS Empowerment Program effectively increases patient awareness of monitoring and adhering to ART. This increased awareness better prepares the client to achieve adherence goals necessary to avoid virologic failure. Recommendations include increased public awareness of treatment adherence services as part of comprehensive care plan for clients with HIV / AIDS. Lastly, national efforts for expansion, protocol development and institutionalization of effective treatment adherence services should be established.

Learning Objectives:

• Define HIV / AIDS treatment adherence services
• Identify barriers to treatment adherence
• Discuss the role of treatment adherence services in the comprehensive care of patients with HIV / AIDS
• Develop curriculum for treatment adherence services

Keywords: Adherence, HIV Interventions

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Center for Minority Studies, Inc.
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment-Director of Programs

Recorded presentation