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Improve Antiretroviral (ARV) Management for HIV-Infected Patients:
Provide Frequent Opportunities for Provider Education

Develop a provider education strategy that addresses the specific educational needs of the clinic’s providers. Numerous short-term educational opportunities, ranging from national conferences to online courses, help HIV providers develop expertise necessary to treat their patients. A well-developed provider education program will create frequent opportunities for HIV health care providers to keep abreast of the latest information on new medications, effects of treatment regimens, and antiretroviral (ARV) therapy research.


Tips
  • Provide clinical updates in HIV care at routine provider meetings.
  • Sponsor weekly clinical conferences for front-line providers to discuss complicated ARV decisions.
  • Initiate Grand Rounds by respected speakers and opinion leaders on important and/or complex ARV treatment issues.
  • Involve medical directors or other senior medical leaders to discuss with medical providers when ARV should not be given and when not to initiate ARV therapy.
  • Train non-clinical staff about ARV management and the importance of routine monitoring to ensure that the same consistent message is given to patients.
  • Tighten resident supervision and implement a review of fellows’ management decisions by attending.
  • Contact AIDS Education Training Centers (AETC) for a schedule of education and training opportunities and for specially designed programs to meet your specific program needs.
  • Schedule local case presentations and seminars by HIV experts.
  • Attend clinical conferences with a focus on ARV management.
  • Conduct case conferencing with the purpose of focusing on complex care and/or adherence issues.