What if we could take treatment satisfaction to a whole new level?
Greater patient satisfaction of treatment can lead to better adherence, subsequently improving clinical outcomes and QOL[1][2]
Improved clinical outcomes
Satisfaction of ART may influence HIV care retention and ART adherence, of which both are key factors of viral suppression (all p<.0001).[3]
Enhanced treatment adherence
In a cohort of nearly 3000 Swedish PLHIV, overall treatment satisfaction was associated with a better ART adherence.[4]
Increased treatment durability
The prescription of a tolerable and convenient ART is a critical step to increase treatment durability.[5]
Although efficacy and tolerability are still cornerstones of treatment satisfaction,[5] the modern era of ART therapy has opened the door for new possibilities to improve the lives of PLHIV
A treatment that reduces the effects of long-term ART use
In a survey of 1085 PLHIV:[6]
- 73% of respondents on treatment were concerned about the long-term effects of ART
- One of the most important potential improvements to current regimens was the reduction of these long-term effects (25%)
A treatment that is flexible around individual lifestyles
Daily life is filled with barriers to adherence – unexpected routine changes, hectic schedules, sleeping away from home[7]
In a survey of 1085 PLHIV:[6]
- A principal recommendation for future ARTs was the potential for a longer lasting treatment
The EACS guidelines agree on simplifying treatment in PLHIV who are virally suppressed[8]
A treatment that considers emotional and social QoL
Similarly to switching treatment because of physical events,[10] switching treatment due to mental, emotional and social needs can save lives, enhance outcomes,[11][12] and ensure PLHIV have a life worth living
It may be time to look at the non-clinical adverse events of ART and consider the new possibilities of switching to a treatment that can change the way patients live with HIV
All images are for illustrative purposes only. Any person depicted is a model.
ABBREVIATIONS
ART: antiretroviral therapy; PLHIV: people living with HIV; QoL: quality of life.
