With longer lifetime ART, adherence supports are needed despite the existence of powerful regimens. This study investigates a proposed strategy for adherence support that is patient-oriented. Specifically, it involves the use of a new patient-reported measure in routine care, which we plan to develop and test, of patients’ perceived barriers to adherence (i.e. factors they identify as making it difficult for them to take their treatment). We expect this will help the clinician provide tailored adherence support, detect potential adherence problems, and make more informed therapeutic decisions.
The primary objective is to develop and validate a patient-reported measure of “minimal interference” (MI) of one’s antiretroviral therapy based on perceived barriers to adherence. In so doing, our aim is to help clinicians ensure that treatment is adapted to their patient and to help them address issues that could impact adherence and the attainment and maintenance of an undetectable plasmatic viral load.
This study is being led by Dr. Bertrand Lebouche of the McGill University Health Centre, and is supported by CTN and Merck Canada.