Physicians' limited knowledge of patients' antiretroviral adherence may reduce their ability to perform effective adherence counseling. Methods—We conducted a randomized, cross-over study of an intervention to improve physicians' knowledge of patients' antiretroviral adherence. The intervention was a report given to the physician prior to a routine office visit that included data on: MEMS and self-reported data on antiretroviral adherence, patients' beliefs about antiretroviral therapy, reasons for missed doses, alcohol and drug use, and depression. We audio-recorded one intervention and one control visit for each patient to analyze differences in adherence related dialogue. Conclusions—Receipt of a detailed report prior to clinic visits containing data about adherence and other factors did not improve patients' antiretroviral adherence. Analyses of patient-provide dialogue suggests that providers who care for persons with HIV may benefit from training in adherence counseling techniques.

Wilson et al., 2010