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Improve Antiretroviral (ARV) Management for HIV-Infected Patients:
Involve Pharmacists in Patient Education and Adherence Documentation

Involve pharmacists in a multi-pronged effort to improve patient education and adherence assessment to encourage patients to improve their antiretroviral (ARV) management. Pharmacists hold unique skills for discussing drug side effects and issues of adherence, and can initiate these conversations regularly when patients drop off prescriptions and/or pick them up. Pharmacists can also provide health care providers with monthly information on patients’ prescription patterns. Some clinics involve pharmacists in quality improvement activities related to ARV therapy adherence.


Tips
  • Initiate an on-site pharmacy program and delivery of ARV and other medications during clinic to ensure pick up and refills.
  • Include pharmacists in discussions of optimal timing for a change in ARV regimen.
  • Engage pharmacists to provide patient education and side effect information of ARV medications.
  • Engage pharmacists to conduct adherence assessments and share findings with clinics.
  • Incorporate ARV medication prescription patterns in the HIV medical record.
  • Include pharmacists in adherence and patient education QI activities.