The complexities of administering Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) medications necessitate a proactive HIV care team and informed patients to achieve maximum viral suppression. Since missing even a few doses can lead to an increase in viral replication and potentially to drug resistance and treatment failure, effective antiretroviral (ARV) management is one of the most important aspects of HIV care.

Ultimately, the HIV care team and patients need to work closely together to ensure the most effective drug regimen, provide information on how to best adhere to ARV medications, set up information tracking and appointment reminder systems, monitor important lab values, and promote patient involvement in decision making.

Establishing a relationship of mutual respect between the skilled health care team and the activated patient will ultimately promote effective treatment decisions and adherence to therapy, as well as increase the responsibility of patients in the management of their own care.