IS YOUR PATIENT READY FOR ARV THERAPY?
Before starting therapy, assess your patient's:
* basic knowledge of HIV infection, transmission, and prevention
* understanding of ARV treatment and potential adverse reactions
* ability to comprehend, cope, and adhere to the prescribed therapy
* Willingness to create support systems to cope with HIV status and facilitate treatment, such as disclosing status to family, friends, and partners.
After starting therapy, assess your patient's:
* advanced knowledge and skills to cope and manage HIV status and treatment
* ability to recognize and seek care for opportunistic diseases and complications.
Evaluate your patient's:
* level of HIV knowledge, personal autonomy, skills, and confidence to manage the consequences of HIV status and treatment
* capacity to take action that encourages health and discourages the determinants of ill health, such as substance abuse and unsafe sexual practices.