A consultation is recommended whenever new medications are begun. In the event of virological failure, an adherence assessment is indicated to identify and intervene prior to the initiation of a new regimen. In addition, a pattern of missed clinic visits or missed prescription refills can also trigger a review and evaluation. Any member of the healthcare team can initiate internal referral to the program, or the patient can self-refer. Other events that may impact adherence, such as hospitalization, incarceration, acute illnesses, homelessness, depression, domestic violence, and mental illness arel also monitored.
Interventions vary and are tailored to the patients' individual needs.
All patients are offered a basic level of service. This includes a printed medication schedule complete with color pictures of their pills, a personal log to track their own viral load and t-cell count, and a pill box. They also receive detailed education on their medications, including side effects and dietary restrictions. They learn more about how their medications can help them, the importance of adherence, and general information about what to do for any adverse event including running out of pills. Advanced interventions can also be instituted depending upon patient preference and need, as assessed by the adherence program team.